der of the first jazz big band, pianist Fletcher Henderson led the finest orchestra in jazz prior to the rise of Duke Ellington in 1927. This European LP (Volume 33 in their Archive of Jazz series) has 14 early and obscure recordings by Henderson in his formative period. Most of the music (arranged by Don Redman) is closer to dance music than jazz and some of it is rather primitive (especially compared to the contemporary recordings of King Oliver) but unlike many big bands of this period, it is quite listenable. A very rare piano solo ("Chimes Blues") by Henderson is a highlight of this interesting set. ~ Scott Yanow|
Rovi