Dr. Jazz Series Vol. 13

Trombonist Jimmy Archey spent most of his career as a sideman, but he had an opportunity in the early 50s to lead the remnants of a unit formerly headed by Bob Wilber. The performances on this 1997 CD are taken from the Dr. Jazz radio series of 1952. In addition to Archey and trumpeter Henry Goodwin (who was rarely featured at greater length than here), Benny Waters (on clarinet and soprano), who had hardly played Dixieland-oriented jazz before, emerges as the solo star. The rhythm section consists of the young but already great stride pianist Dick Wellstood, bassist Pops Foster and drummer Tommy Benford. Although the band does perform some warhorses, the arrangements and enthusiastic solo voices make the music sound fresh. The theme song ("Tonight the Party Is Here at My House") is quite appealing and fortunately is given a full-length version, while Waters' "Hot Foot Rag" (which he verbally introduces) is also a highlight. Easily recommended to trad fans, who will want this entire series, this CD and the others in the program show that there was still plenty of creativity left in the mostly underdocumented trad jazz of the era.