All of trombonist
Turk Murphy's Good Time Jazz recordings of 1947-1952 (all the studio sides he led prior to 1953) are now available on two CDs. The first volume has material from five different sessions and is filled with likable and swinging performances. In addition to the leader, the bands include either
Bob Scobey or Don Kinch on trumpet; Bob Helm or Bill Napier on clarinet; and on piano either the legendary
Burt Bales, Skip Anderson, or
Wally Rose. The music is essentially Dixieland, with some of the highlights being "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street," "Struttin' with Some Barbecue," "Trombone Rag," "Down by the Riverside," and "Cake Walkin' Babies from Home" (the latter has
Clare Austin on vocals). ~ Scott Yanow