On the fifth of
Jimmie Noone's five CDs on the Classics label, the New Orleans clarinetist is heard on his final 24 selections as a leader (with the exception of a slightly later live session). The first six numbers close the book on his Apex Club Orchestra, featuring Eddie Pollack (in Joe Poston's old place) playing the melody on alto and sometimes baritone behind
Noone's solos; trumpeter
Jimmy Cobb and pianist Zinky Cohn get some solo space.
Noone is also heard in 1936 with a freewheeling New Orleans group featuring trumpeter Guy Kelly and trombonist
Preston Jackson, holding his own the following year with the dynamic young trumpeter
Charlie Shavers and altoist
Pete Brown, and doing his best in 1940 to overcome the weak cornet playing of
Natty Dominique. The final four numbers (also from 1940) are dominated by
Ed Thompson's dated vocals. No matter what the setting,
Noone (who passed away in 1944) is heard in prime form. ~ Scott Yanow