In 1939 cornetist
Muggsy Spanier recorded 16 selections with his four-horn, seven-piece
Ragtime Band that helped define Dixieland. Unfortunately he was just a little early, for gigs soon became difficult to find and he had to break up the group before the year ended. In 1986, English clarinetist
Brian White decided to feature cornetist
Alan Gresty on a dozen of the 16 numbers at a recording session because Gresty's sound and style (particularly when muted) uncannily resembled
Muggsy Spanier's. This CD, which reissues that complete program, also has four additional tracks recorded in 1993. The music on a whole is quite enjoyable, hinting strongly at
Spanier's band without actually copying any solos. Highlights include such numbers as "That Da Da Strain," "Lonesome Road," "Monday Date," "Relaxin' at the Touro," and "Sunday." The musicianship is high and the soloists (which also include trombonist
Geoff Cole and the tenor of Goff Dubber) are consistently colorful and swinging. This is a highly recommended set for Dixieland fans.