Part of Delta's five-part Jazz Piano Anthology,
Jazz Piano Anthology: In the Beginning kicks things off with an overview of some of the most important tinklers from the early jazz and swing eras. Most of the recordings, though, are not from the eras in question, including some '50s and '60s dates by
Earl Hines and
Teddy Wilson. This shouldn't pose a serious problem, especially since the material --
Hines' "Shiny Stockings" and
Wilson's "After You've Gone," in particular -- matches the many triumphs these pianists had in the day. With more highlights by
James P. Johnson,
Jelly Roll Morton, and
Fats Waller capping things off, this jazz piano collection should please fans anxious to hear some of the greats in top form. ~ Stephen Cook