Buster Bailey was one of the top clarinetists to emerge during the 1920s but he led relatively few sessions throughout his long career. This LP features
Bailey with a quartet (along with pianist
Red Richards, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Jimmie Crawford) and, with the horns of trumpeter Herman Autrey, trombonist
Vic Dickenson and altoist Hilton Jefferson added, a septet. In addition to
W.C. Handy tunes, the other five songs are
Bailey originals that mix together swing and the flavor of New Orleans jazz. It's a fine outing for the classic clarinetist. ~ Scott Yanow