The Frog label is the latest to weigh in on the early jazz reissuing program. The U.K. company has wisely enlisted the remastering services of John R.T. Davies, the wizard behind many of JSP and Hep's superb sounding releases. He's certainly kept up the high standards on this McKinney's Cotton Pickers set, which is the second of three discs covering most of the band's output from 1928-1931. Wedged in between a collection covering 1928-1929 and one that includes both 1931 cuts and several career-spanning alternate takes, Cotton Picker's Scat feasts on the group's banner year of 1930 with such highlights as "Zonky," "Hullabaloo," and the title track. Don Redman and John Nesbitt return with another batch of top-drawer modern charts, while guest and regular soloists like Rex Stewart, Benny Carter, and Joe Smith come up with fine solo contributions. Sure, there are plenty of novelty vocals here (many featuring Redman at the mic), but the quality of the music is such that they rarely seem obtrusive. A welcome addition to a body of classic jazz reissues that thankfully has remained rich and full. ~ Stephen Cook
25 tracks, including the songs "I'll Make Fun For You," "Words Can't Express" & "Honeysuckle Rose".
Recording information: Camden, NJ (01/31/1930-12/18/1930); New York, NY (01/31/1930-12/18/1930).
Unknown Contributor Role: Joe "Fox" Smith .
Arrangers: John Nesbitt; Will Hudson.
Personnel: Dave Wilborn (vocals, guitar, banjo); Bill Coty (vocals); Jimmy Dudley, Benny Carter (clarinet, alto saxophone); Prince Robinson (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Langston Curl, John Nesbitt, Joe "Fox" Smith (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Ed Cuffee (trombone); Todd Rhodes (piano, celesta, vibraphone); Cuba Austin (glockenspiel, drums).
Mckinney's Cotton Pickers, Vol. 2: Cotton Picker's Scat Music Reviews
Guidelines Remember to focus your comments on Mckinney's Cotton Pickers, Vol. 2: Cotton Picker's Scat CD. Check our review guidelines for specific details regarding customer review policy.
To submit your review, please fill out the above form and click "Submit Review." A staff member will then verify your review meets our guidelines. Upon approval, your review will be published within a few days.
Please do not use this form to comment on web site errors or for order related questions. If you have concerns of this nature, please contact customer service by filling out this form.
Purchase Mckinney's Cotton Pickers, Vol. 2: Cotton Picker's Scat CD
Customers Who Buy Mckinney's Cotton Pickers, Vol. 2: Cotton Picker's Scat CD Purchase:
Share this Product