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CD Review: Johnny Dodds-  Myth of New Orleans

Label: Giants Of Jazz, CD 53077 AAD
Personnel: Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Barney Bigard, Earl Hines, Lil Armstrong, Baby Dodds, George Mitchell, Johnny St. Cyr, Natty Dominique, Jimmy Blythe, Honore Dutrey, Charlie Shavers, Teddy Bunn, John Kirby, O’Neil Spencer, Lonnie Johnson, Bud Scott, Bill Johnson, Charlie Alexander, Preston Jackson

Yes indeed, Johnny Dodds is considered by many to be the most important clarinetist of New Orleans Jazz. He appears on the bulk of the Louis Armstrong Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings, as well as the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band's historic sessions. Dodds best playing may well be that with the New Orleans Wanderers, reissued on this marvelous collection, entitled Johnny Dodds, The Myth Of New Orleans. The Wanderers titles are Perdido Street Blues, Gatemouth, and Too Tight and are among the very best examples of New Orleans ensemble playing ever recorded.

This CD has Dodds in full band, trio, and jug band settings! Although I went to school on these recordings many years ago my total delight at this late hearing is undiminished. A surprise was the smoking swing of the jug band track Carpet Alley Breakdown with two banjos, two jugs, violin, alto sax and Dodds on clarinet. It has to be heard to be believed! It shows how close the roots of jazz are to other American folk forms. Also evident is how swing can be achieved with any combination of instruments if the musicians are right and the dynamics measured.

One of the great treats of this CD is George Mitchell's shimmering trumpet lead. This jazz pioneer is perfectly matched with Dodds and trombonist Kid Ory. Mitchell’s presence added to the musical success of the Jelly Roll Morton Red Hot Pepper recordings. A marvelous player, alas like so many other great New Orleans horn men Mitchell is now mostly forgotten.

This is an important CD and a most enjoyable one not just for Johnny Dodds, but for the many other New Orleans musicians heard here who never got their due. 

- Bob Sparkman

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