Spanning four LPs and almost six years,
This Is Jazz presents the best of
the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Compiled and annotated by their producer
Scott Billington, the set does a great job of picking and choosing from the group's Columbia material. Collaborations with
Dr. John ("It's All Over Now") and
Branford Marsalis ("Moose the Mooche") work well, but the most enjoyable tracks are simple group jams like "Charlie Dozen" and "Gemini Rising." The bluesy "Don't You Feel My Leg," with New Orleans legend
Danny Barker, is a special highlight. ~ John Bush