Trumpeter
Bob Scobey's Dixieland bands in the 1950s were pretty consistent. This CD reissue brings back one of
Scobey's better dates. After a weak start on a somewhat square version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the remainder of the program mixes together Dixieland standards (including "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Bill Bailey") with a few obscurities ("Parsons, Kansas Blues" and "Friendless Blues"). Co-starring with
Scobey is one of the top trad jazz singers,
Clancy Hayes, who is far superior to most "musician vocalists." Also well-featured are clarinetist
Bill Napier and trombonist
Jack Buck