ProJazz.net

“Although he receives first billing on this LP, drummer Baby Dodds is only on five of the 11 selections. However these titles (three of which have Dodds in a trio with clarinetist Albert Nicholas and pianist Don Ewell while “Manhattan Stomp” is a feature for Ewell’s fine stride piano) are historic. The two “Drum Improvisations” from 1946 were among the very first unaccompanied jazz drum solos ever recorded, and they really display Baby Dodds’ colorful technique at its best. Four other songs on the album are from 1947 and feature Nicholas’ clarinet in a quartet with pianist James P. Johnson, banjoist Danny Barker and bassist Pops Foster (with vocals in Creole by Barker and Nicholas) while the remaining number, “Danny’s Banjo Blues,” showcases Barker’s solo playing in 1951. These unusual recordings, originally made for Rudi Blesh’s Circle label, are highly recommended to New Orleans jazz collectors” –  Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Parte 1 – BABY DODDS TRIO (1946)

1. WOLVERINE BLUES
Baby Dodds (drums); Don Ewell (piano); Albert Nicholas (clarinet)

2. BUDDY BOLDEN’S BLUES
Baby Dodds (drums); Don Ewell (piano); Albert Nicholas (clarinet)

3. DRUM IMPROVISATION 1
Baby Dodds (dm)

4. ALBERT’S BLUES
Baby Dodds (drums); Don Ewell (piano); Albert Nicholas (clarinet)

5. MANNHATTAN STOMP
Albert Nicholas(cl); Charlie Queener (?); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b); Baby Dodds (dm)

6. DRUM IMPROVISATION 2
Baby Dodds (dm)

7. BUDDY BOLDEN’S BLUES (alt.take)
Baby Dodds (drums); Don Ewell (piano); Albert Nicholas (clarinet)

8. WOLVERINE BLUES (alt.take)
Baby Dodds (drums); Don Ewell (piano); Albert Nicholas (clarinet)

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Parte 2 – JAZZ À LA CREOLE (1947)

9. MO PAS LEMME
Albert Nicholas(cl); James P. Johnson(p); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b)

10. SALEE DAME
Albert Nicholas(cl); James P. Johnson(p); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b)

11. LES OGNONS
Albert Nicholas(cl); James P. Johnson(p); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b)

12. CREOLE BLUES
Albert Nicholas(cl); James P. Johnson(p); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b)

13. MO PAS LEMME CA
Albert Nicholas(cl); Charlie Queener (?); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b); Baby Dodds (dm)

14. SALEE DAME
Albert Nicholas(cl); James P. Johnson(p); Danny Barker(gt); Pops Foster(b); Freddy Moore(dm)

15. CHOCKO ME FEENDO HEY
Danny Barker(gt); Don Kirkpatrick(p); Haywood Henry(b); Fred Moore (dm); Johnny Williams (tambourine)

16. TOOTIE MA IS A BIG FINE THING
Danny Barker(gt); Don Kirkpatrick(p); Haywood Henry(b); Fred Moore (dm); Johnny Williams (tambourine)

17. MY INDIAN RED
Danny Barker(gt); Don Kirkpatrick(p); Haywood Henry(b); Fred Moore (dm); Johnny Williams (tambourine)

18. CORINNE DIED ON THE BATTLEFIELD
Danny Barker(gt); Don Kirkpatrick(p); Haywood Henry(b); Fred Moore (dm); Johnny Williams (tambourine)