The Complete Decca, Victor and V Disc recordings plus alternative takes, November 1945 to January 1946. Although jazz trumpet player Bunk Johnson undoubtedly played a part in the early history of Jazz and was at the forefront of its development in New Orleans around 1907 - 1914 (he taught Louis Armstrong), he never recorded during the vintage-jazz era of the late teens through to the 1930s. After spending the '30s as a truck driver, he was contacted by a group of enthusiasts, fitted out with a new set of teeth and set on his second career as a professional musician. He is now regarded internationally as one of the great jazz legends of all time. The basic elements of the band heard on this CD were recruited for his first recording session in 1942. Joining him was clarinettist George Lewis, trombonist Jim Robinson, banjoist Lawrence Marrero, bass player Alcide 'Slow Drag' Pavageau and Warren 'Baby' Dodds who had already recorded with King Oliver, Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Despite the turbulent experiences of the band, often brought on by demands of perfection from Bunk himself, the eight Decca tracks are among its best recorded work. Along with the complete Victors and V Discs, plus alternate takes, this CD captures the recordings of one of the finest bands of the traditional jazz revival period.

Track Listing

• Maryland, My Maryland (Take B)
• Alexander's Ragtime Band (Take B)
• Tishomingo Blues (Take A)
• You Always Hurt The One You Love (Take B)
• I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Take 2)
• A Closer Walk With Thee (take 1)
• Snag It (Take 1)
• One Sweet Letter From You (Take 2)
• When The Saints Go Marching In
• High Society
• Darktown Strutters Ball
• Franklin Street Blues
• I Can't Escape From You (V Disc)
• Snag It (V Disc)
• Maryland, My Maryland (Take A)
• Alexander's Ragtime Band (Take A)
• Tishomingo Blues (Take B)
• You Always Hurt The One You Love (Take A)
• I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Take 1)
• A Closer Walk With Thee (Take 2)
• Snag It (Take 2)
• One Sweet Letter From You (Take 1)

Additional Details

Label: Document Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 70 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 07/27/06

UPC: 714298100129