Banjoist Ted Shafer leads his Jelly Roll Jazz Band throughout this spirited Stomp Off disc. His nonet includes both Leon Oakley and Tom Brozene on cornets, either Phil Howe or Jim Rothermel on clarinet, trombonist Charles Sonnanstine and a standard rhythm section that often utilizes a second banjoist. As is normal for Stomp Off records, the emphasis is on obscure songs; in this case, the tunes range from
Tiny Parham, Jimmy Blythe and
Ma Rainey to
Jelly Roll Morton, Rube Bloom and a pair of originals by Sonnanstine. The musicianship is good, the interpretations quite enthusiastic, and the music quite enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow