Trumpeter
Jimmy McPartland originally succeeded the legendary
Bix Beiderbecke with
the Wolverines back in 1925. Decades later, although still influenced a bit by
Beiderbecke's sound,
McPartland had long developed his own musical personality. The first 12 selections on this double-LP set (eight from 1953 and the other four from 1956) feature
McPartland paying tribute to
Beiderbecke by performing a variety of songs associated with him. Such players as trombonist
Lou McGarity, clarinetist
Peanuts Hucko, tenorman
Bud Freeman, and baritone
Ernie Caceres help out on some of the numbers and pianist
Marian McPartland is aboard for the later sides. The high point is an emotional version of "In a Mist" that utilizes oboe and bassoon in the arrangement. In addition, this two-fer includes
McPartland's sessions of 1936 and 1939, superior Dixieland performances that, on four selections, are highlighted by rare solos from altoist
Boyce Brown. This highly recommended set is rounded out by eight superior ballads from 1943 and 1946 featuring the mellow cornet of
Bobby Hackett.