When Neatwork systematically compiled all of the alternate takes that were not included in the Classics Chronological Series, a wonderful supplementary catalog emerged offering deeper insights into a great wealth of misunderstood and underappreciated early and mid-20th century recorded jazz. One choice example is Neatwork's stash of alternate takes by New Orleans clarinetist
Johnny Dodds dating from the years 1926-1929. Because not every session yielded extra takes, this more or less chronological core sample follows a pleasantly erratic trail of Vocalion, Victor, and Paramount records issued under the names of vocalist Teddy Peters, Jimmy Bertrand's Washboard Wizards, Jimmy Blythe's Ragamuffins,
Freddie Keppard's Jazz Cardinals, the Dixieland Thumpers, the
Dixieland Jug Blowers, the Beale Street Washboard Band, the
Johnny Dodds Trio, the
Johnny Dodds Orchestra and
Johnny Dodds' Black Bottom Stompers. Neatwork's rewarding and entertaining compilation holds its own among the best titles in the
Johnny Dodds discography. These fine old jazz records should be considered inseparable from the early works of
King Oliver,
Jelly Roll Morton, and
Louis Armstrong. ~ arwulf arwulf