The New Orleans Owls were a spirited seven- to nine-piece band whose hot jazz and interesting arrangements made them a legendary group to early jazz collectors. The band's entire output, 18 selections from five sessions, is reissued on this highly enjoyable CD from the English label Frog.
The Owls did not have any famous musicians (other than guitarist Nappy Lamare on the final date), but their versions of such songs as "Stomp Off, Let's Go," "Tampeekoe," "White Ghost Shivers," and "Brotherly Love" in particular are memorable. In addition to those classic sides,
the New Orleans Rhythm Kings' final recordings (two takes apiece of "She's Cryin' for Me" and "Everybody Loves Somebody Blues") and the recordings of John Hyman's Bayou Stompers (two versions apiece of a pair of songs that, in addition to the standard instrumentation, include the harmonica of Alvin Gautreaux) wrap up this thoroughly enjoyable disc. ~ Scott Yanow