In March and October 1949, cornetist
Red Nichols made a series of recordings with trombonist
Kingsley Jackson, clarinetist
Reuel Lynch, bass saxophonist
Joe Rushton, pianist
Bobby Hammack, and drummer
Rollie Culver. This resulted in an album's worth of perfectly enjoyable old-fashioned jazz, more in line with authentic jazz tradition than some of
Nichols' later recordings. While the stomps and struts provide plenty of positive propulsion, the slow majesty of "Peaceful Valley," "Ida (Sweet As Apple Cider)," and especially
Duke Ellington's "Morning Glory" reveal a mature
Nichols near the beginning of his postwar comeback, blowing honest jazz in the company of authentic jazz musicians. Even taking into account the cream of his '20s recordings, this is some of the best
Red Nichols you'll ever hear.