One of the lesser-known
Eddie Condon groups is the one he led in 1958 that featured cornetist
Rex Stewart. Of their three albums, this rare World Pacific LP is the most rewarding, featuring the group on eight mostly heated stomps including seven tunes recorded decades earlier by the original
Dixieland Jazz Band. With the exception of some animal imitations on "Livery Stable Blues," there is no attempt to recreate the past and the songs are used as a good excuse for some colorful jamming. In addition to
Stewart, trombonist
Cutty Cutshall,
Bud Freeman on tenor, clarinetist
Herb Hall, pianist
Gene Schroeder, bassist
Leonard Gaskin, drummer
George Wettling and the guitarist/leader are heard from but the fiery cornetist generally takes solo honors.