Trumpeter
Percy Humphrey's debut as a leader (he was already 56) finds the sincere if limited trumpeter jamming on a variety of traditional New Orleans themes with a group of complementary musicians: trombonist
Louis Nelson, clarinetist
Albert Burbank, banjoist Emanuel Sayles, bassist Louis James, and drummer Cie Frazier. The lack of a piano and a rather predictable rhythm section leave an overly sparse empty feeling in some of the ensembles although the music (which includes "Milenberg Joys," "We Shall Walk Through the Streets of the City," and "Rip 'Em Up Joe") is spirited and generally enjoyable. "Climax Rag" has been added to the original LP program for the CD reissue. ~ Scott Yanow