Three overlapping groups are heard from here, and they revisit the repertoire of the McKenzie & Condon's Chicagoans of 1927 (playing new versions of the four songs originally recorded) and
Bud Freeman's 1939-1940 Summa Cum Laude Orchestra. The two septets and the octet feature such immortal Condonites as tenor saxophonist
Bud Freeman;
Jimmy McPartland and
Billy Butterfield on trumpets; trombonists
Tyree Glenn and
Jack Teagarden (who also takes some vocals); clarinetists
Pee Wee Russell and
Peanuts Hucko; pianists Gene Schroeder and
Dick Cary; rhythm guitarist Al Casamenti (but surprisingly no
Eddie Condon); bassists
Milt Hinton,
Al Hall, and
Leonard Gaskin; and drummer
George Wettling. The veterans were all still in prime form at the time, and they sound quite inspired. Highlights include "Nobody's Sweetheart," "China Boy," "Chicago," "There'll Be Some Changes Made," and "Jack Hits the Road." ~ Scott Yanow