EKE BBB

Be sure it took us a lot of work and discussion to compile this list. Much more than writing the introductions to each period, and the reviews to the 65 discs. And I appreciate your input. I hope your Spanish is being improved with this article...

We have avoided those kind of labels (Definitive et al). An as for the official Decca/GRP 3 CD set, we tried to include the least more-than-one-cd choices as possible. That´s why you have the complete Hot 5&7, but not the complete Basie on Decca. See my reply to Aggie87 for other criteria in the selection of the pre-LP-era discs.

Hey, Flurin! Have you checked the "Runners-up" list? The selection is 25 "Essentials" plus 40 "Complementaries". All of your choices (in bold letters) are in the second list. . Well, maybe you know that, but still want to include these three in the top-25.

Uptown's Bob Sunenblick and I (to a lesser degree) have been chasing this for many years. Lots of info, lots of dead ends and a bunch of stuff unconfirmed by circumstance. We are "on the case"! ← That would be another "Release of the Year" (release of the decade?) on your counter, Chuck!

Believe me, there was a lot of discussion on this subject for the first decades of the history of jazz. We balanced from using chronologically sequenced collections (like the Classics), complete collections recorded for a label from a period (like a "Complete XXX-Label 19xx-19xx recordings") or compilations with a maximum covered period of 10 years (Hawkins was in another league for the high average quality of his vast and chronologically extended recorded output). And we ended up using... all of them. In each case we analized multiple factors (from sound quality and remastering, to easy availability or representativity of a period of that artist). If there was a body of recordings such as Ellington´s RCA Blanton-Webster band or Satchmo´s Hot 5&7, so absolutely essential all in all, we picked a more than 1 CD collection. If there was a single chronological disc containing such ammount of master works from an artist to be representative enough, we took it (i.e. Lion´s Classics disc). As for compilations such as Hawkins´, Bessie´s, Django´s or Billie´s, we cared so much for the accuracy of the tracks selected. There´s a lot of work in a project like this... if it´s faced seriously. It´s easy to list 25+40 good jazz recordings (all of us can do it in fifteen minutes). But it´s not so easy if the compilation takes into account a lot of facts (balance between artists, styles and decades, sound quality, package and liner notes, availability). Just a clue on how we faced it: it took us three or four months of work and discussion and about 700 emails. Of course you could have chosen different discs. Jazz is diversity. Best wishes, Agustín Pérez

BTW, I hope that, in the main page of the article, you have clicked on each decade to see a brief introduction of it, a review of the six/seven "essential" recordings, and a brief review of the ten "additional" recordings. This makes 25+40=65 discs. Otherwise you´d question where on hell is Bud Powell or Dizzy Gillespie or Sonny Rollins...

Please, DO!

Please, feel free to bring your comments on the selection.

With many thanks to Pachi Tapiz, site administrator of Tomajazz, and thanks to the inexhaustible work of Fer Urbina, editor of this project, we have finally finished our selection of 25 of the most representative discs in the first century of jazz. Here´s the brief English introduction in the main page of this article, which perfectly sums up the goal of our project. I find interesting to point out that this is a compilation mainly recommended for newbies, specially for the first decades of 20th Century: a simple starting point to a jazz collection. A jazz collection as much wide, diverse and open-minded as possible. 25 DISCOS DE JAZZ: UNA GUÍA ESENCIAL

Thanks a lot, kh1958 !!!

From other threads:

Release date for the Ember discs is Dec. 2000. No idea for the Philologies vol.24 & 25.

And this one?: Charlie Parker at the Open Door (2CD) TKO/Magnum/Ember Benny Harris on trumpet, Al Haig and Bud Powell on piano, Charlie Mingus on bass and Art Taylor on drums. Recorded live at the Open Door, New York, 26th July 1953. Tracks 1 Out of Nowhere Green, Heyman 3:04 2 Star Eyes DePaul, Raye 3:55 3 Cool Blues Parker 4:44 4 East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) Bowman 3:26 5 The Song Is You Hammerstein, Kern 6:02 6 My Little Suede Shoes Parker 2:15 7 52nd Street Theme Monk 2:36 8 Ornithology Harris, Parker 3:17 9 Scrapple from the Apple Parker 3:25 10 I Cover the Waterfront Green, Heyman 2:26 11 This Time the Dream's on Me Arlen, Mercer 4:14 12 I'll Remember April DePaul, Johnston, Raye 4:13 13 My Old Flame Coslow, Johnston 4:18 14 52nd Street Theme Monk 2:59 15 I Remember You Mercer, Schertzinger 3:01 16 All the Things You Are Hammerstein, Kern 4:14 17 Hot House Dameron 3:17 18 Just You, Just Me Greer, Klages 2:02 19 I'll Remember April DePaul, Johnston, Raye 2:36 20 52nd Street Theme Monk :35 No idea of release date, though. Maybe the Philologies came first.

There are quite a number of threads with mentions of some volumes of these neverending series on Philology. From what I´ve extracted, volumes up to 25 offered material previously unissued on CD, while volumes from 25 on, mix some of these recordings with material previously available on other labels. Resuming.... Which are the "really essential" volumes? (yes, I know this is for "collectors and completists only"). Specially non-available-anywhere-else-on-CD items! Specially with passable sound! Thanks in advance, Agustín

Complete catalogue (updated) BDW8001 Halfway House Orch. Recorded in New Orleans 1925-28. The complete output by this fine band. BDW8002 Celestin's Original Tuxedo Jazz Orch./ Sam Morgan's Jazz Band Recorded in New Orleans 1925-28. The complete recordings including a recently discovered alternate of "Station Calls." BDW8003 Curtis Mosby and his Dixieland Blue Blowers 1924-29 / Henry Starr 1928-39 The complete output by Curtis Mosby including two previously unknown and unissued sides from 1924-25 as well as an unissued test of "Weary Blues". Rare recordings by pianist Henry Starr made for the incredibly rare Flexo label in 1928. Six sides by Ivan Browning and Henry Starr recorded in London, England in the mid 30s including an unissued HMV test. BDW8004 Dorsey Brothers Vol. 1, 1928 The complete output with all known alternates including five test pressings. BDW8005 Dorsey Brothers Vol. 2, 1929-30 The continuation of the complete chronological output of this important band including an unissued test of "Was it a Dream?". BDW8006 Dorsey Brothers Vol. 3, 1930-33 Including no less than five sides previously unissued in any form as well as all known alternate issues. BDW8007 Red Nichols on Edison 1924-27 Includes every known take by Red and Miff's Stompers for Edison including an unissued test of "Hurricane" from the Edison Historic Site in Orange, N.J. Other sides by the Charleston Seven, the Golden Gate Orch. and Don Voorhees and his Earl Carroll's "Vanities" Orch. BDW8008 Richmond Rarities 1927-31 Recorded on such labels as Electrobeam Gennett, Champion and Supertone, this CD presents the complete output, including all known alternate takes, of the following bands - Alex Jackson and his Plantation Orch., Alphonso Trent and his Orch., Zach Whyte's Chocolate Beau Brummels and Red Perkins and his Dixie Ramblers. BDW8009 Gennett Rarities 1927-29 Mythically rare recordings made by the Gennett company on field trips to Birmingham. This CD includes the complete recorded output of Syd Valentine's Patent Leather Kids, the Triangle Harmony Boys, the Black Birds of Paradise, Frank Bunch and his Fuzzy Wuzzies, Willie Jones and his Orch., Horace Smith with the best sides by two obscure bands, Eddie Miles and his Florentine Orch. and Dunk Rendleman and the Alabamians. BDW8010 Chicago Rhythm 1923-28 Complete output of Al Turk's Princess Orch. made fo rhe Olympic and Okeh labels plus the best of Charlie Straight's Orch. from Paramount, Brunswick and Vocalion. BDW8011 Florida Rhythm 1927-31 The story of Robert Cloud. A compilation of all known recordings by this obscure composer, arranger, and musician. Liner notes by noted Canadian jazz writer Mark Miller contain original research used to piece together a biography of this shadowy figure. Rare and unusual recordings by the Ross De Luxe Syncopaters, Jacksonville Harmony Trio, QRS Boys, Rollin Smith, Robert Cloud Orch., Georgia Jumpers and the Grand Central Red Cap Quartet. BDW8012 Douglas Williams 1928-30 Recorded in Memphis. Contains many rare items never before reissued. Williams' complete recordings, including those accompanying blues singers Alfoncy and Bethenea Harris. 24-page booklet includes liner notes by Dick Raichelson containing newly-discovered information and photographs. BDW8013 Roger Wolfe Kahn 1925-32 A selection of the most jazz-oriented recording by this fine dance orchestra made for Victor, Perfect, Brunswick and Columbia. Features Miff Mole, Arthur Schutt, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Artie Shaw, and Charlie Tegarden. Also includes a previously unissued performance of Rhythm of the Day. BDW8014 Bill Carlsen and Devine’s Wisconsin Roof Orchestra 1926-1931 Rarely heard sides by this Milwaukee based band, recorded in Chicago and Grafton, Wisconsin for Paramount's subsidary Broadway label. BDW8015 Ben Pollack, Volume 1 - Recorded in Chicago and New York 1926-1928 The first volume of the complete recorded output by Ben Pollack's Orchestra 1926-28. This star studded band includes some of the earliest recordings by Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden. There are many unissued takes reissued here for the first time. Notes are by noted Jack Teagarden expert Joe Showler. BDW8016 Ben Pollack, Volume 2 - Recorded in New York 1928-1929 The second volume of the complete recorded output by Ben Pollack's Orchestra 1926-30. This important band includes some of the earliest recordings by Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden. There are ten unissued takes reissued here for the first time. Notes are by noted Jack Teagarden expert Joe Showler. BDW8017 Ben Pollack, Volume 3 - Recorded in New York 1929 The third volume of the complete recorded output by Ben Pollack's Orchestra 1926-30 which will eventually comprise six CDs. These recordings, made in 1929, feature many of the best jazzmen of the era including Jimmy McPartland, Ray Bauduc and some of the earliest recordings by Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden. There are twelve unissued takes reissued here for the first time on CD. Notes are by noted Jack Teagarden expert Joe Showler. BDW8018 Jack Linx and Maurice Sigler - Recorded in Atlanta, 1924-1927 The complete recordings of Birmingham, Alabama bandleader Jack Linx, as well as the four sides by fellow Birmingham leader Maurice Sigler. Includes two unissued tests by Jack Linx. BDW8019 Original Indiana Five, Volume 1 - Recorded in New York 1923-1925 The first of four volumes by this prolific jazz band, this first volumes includes the rare Olympic recordings from 1923. Liner notes by Mike May, a dedicated OI5 researcher who has done extensive work in locating family of the band's members. BDW8020 Wilton Crawley, Showman, Composer and Clarinetist - Recorded in New York and Chicago 1927-1930 Almost all the recordings by this hot gaspipe style clarinetist (the balance are available on BDW8025) including four unissued test pressings, one of which is not even listed in "Rust". Personnel includes Jelly Roll Morton, Henry "Red" Allen, Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson and Johnny St. Cyr. BDW8021 Dallas Rhythm - Recorded in Dallas and St. Louis, 1924-1929 Includes the complete recordings of Dallas-based bandleader Jack Gardner, as well as selected recordings by Randolph McCurtain, Phil Baxter and Herman Waldman. The 32 page booklet includes extensive liner notes by researcher Dick Raichelson, as well as previously unpublished information and newly-found details of the activities of these territory bandleaders. BDW8022 George McClennon and Wilton Crawley The complete output by the obscure George McClennon including two titles from the only known copy of one disc. Also includes the balance of the Wilton Crawley sides from BDW8020. BDW8023 Dime Store Hot Dance A selection of hot dance recordings from 1927 to 1930 made for release on the Plaza and Compo stable of labels. Features hot solo work by Tommy Gott, Bob Effros, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Arthur Schutt and others. BDW8024 Louisiana Rhythm Kings The complete recordings by this Red Nichols-led recording group, including all of the rare Vocalion sides and a previously unissued take of "Pretty Baby". Features many top sidemen including Miff Mole, Pee Wee Russell, Bud Freeman, Jimmy Dorsey, Fud Livingston and Jack Teagarden. BDW8025 Hot Springs, Arkansas 1937 The complete jazz and blues recordings made during an ARC field trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas in March 1937. Includes the complete recordings of The Range Riders, Ike Ragon, Three Fifteen and His Squares, Fats Smith, Original Yellow Jackets, Albert Gale and Tommy Settles. BDW8026 Ben Pollack Volume 4 The fourth volume of the complete recorded output by Ben Pollack's Orchestra from 1926 to 1933, which will eventually comprise six CDs. These recordings feature Pollack's hot soloists of the period, including Matty Matlock, Jack Teagarden and Charlie Teagarden. Notes are by noted Jack Teagarden expert Joe Showler. BDW8027 Arcadia Shuffle - Recorded in St. Louis and New Orleans 1924-1925 The complete recordings of the Arcadian Serenaders and the Original Crescent City Jazzers, and selected recordings by the Arcadia Peacock Orchestra of St. Louis. Includes extensive notes by James K. Williams and many recently-discovered photographs. BDW8028 Sam Manning Vol. 1 The first CD devoted to the complete output by this important New York stage performer. Shows the fusion of West Indian calypso rhythms with hot jazz and even vaudeville influences. Includes some of the fantastically rare sides made for Okeh's short lived 65000 West Indian series. Jazz collectors note - this is HOT black jazz! BDW8029 Sam Manning Vol. 2 Finalises the complete output by this important New York stage performer up to 1930. Includes rare sides issued on Columbia's export "X" series. Jazz collectors note - this is HOT black jazz! BDW8030 Original Indiana 5, Volume 2 The second of four volumes by this prolific jazz band, including rare sides made for Gennett in 1925. Liner notes by Mike May include newly-found information on the band members. BDW8031 Original Indiana 5, Volume 3 The third of four volumes by this band, including the Pathe recordings by two related bands, the Black Diamond Serenaders and Tommy Morton's Grangers. The booklet includes notes by Mike May, as well as rare, newly-found photographs. BDW8032 Ben Pollack Volume 5 The fifth of six volumes devoted to the complete recordings of Ben Pollack’s Orchestra from 1926 to 1934. Includes related recordings released under the names of Gil Rodin, Jack Teagarden and the New Orleans Ramblers. The extensive liner notes were written by Joe Showler, a Toronto-based expert on Pollack and Jack Teagarden. BDW8033 New Orleans Jazz Band The complete instrumental recordings by this obscure band, recorded in 1924 and 1925. These sides are of special interest as they include the first recordings by two important jazzmen - Sidney Arodin, who went on to participate in several classic sessions during the 1920s and 1930s, and Brad Gowans, who was a fixture of the New York Dixieland scene during the 1940s. BDW8034 Original Indiana 5, Volume 4 The final instalment of our survey of this band’s output. As with earlier volumes, the booklet includes notes by Mike May, as well as rare, newly-found photographs. BDW8035 (3 CD set) Jack Purvis - 1928-35 Best known as a spectacular trumpeter who recorded but eight memorable sides under his own name in 1929 and 1930, this comprehensive survey of his music includes examples of his work as a sideman with Arnold Johnson, Smith Ballew, Hal Kemp and others. Comprehensive notes are by the noted collector and producer Michael Brooks, and the booklet includes many rare photographs. A must for enthusiasts of 1920s jazz as it reveals the exciting Purvis in a variety of musical settings. BDW8036 The Georgia Washboard Stompers The complete recordings of this washboard band, which was assembled by Decca Records in 1934 and 1935. These exciting sides feature the fine trumpet work of Taft Jordan, and are important as examples of how the washboard band style evolved in the 1930s after first gaining popularity in the mid-1920s. BDW8037 Cliff Jackson The complete recordings of Cliff Jackson’s Crazy Kats and the Sepia Serenaders, as well as selected solos and blues accompaniments from the Twenties and early Thirties. Booklet notes are by Reide Kaiser, a fine Toronto pianist, who provides an excellent summary of Jackson’s style and place among the great stride pianists. BDW8038 Grey Gull Rarities A selection of hot sides released by Grey Gull from 1924-30, featuring Leroy Smith's Orchestra, Thomas Morris, Mike Mosiello and Andy Sannella. Includes the complete "Memphis Jazzers" session, the trumpet on which was once ascribed to King Oliver. BDW8039 Paramount Hot Dance Obscurities Volume 1 Rare sides recorded by the New York Recording Laboratories for issue on its Broadway and Paramount labels. Includes the best of the sides recorded by Bill Haid's Cubs and related bands such as the Midnight Serenaders, Castle Farms Serenaders and The Black Pirates. Extensive liner notes by Paramount researcher Alex van der Tuuk and 1920s jazz expert Joel O'Sickey. BDW8040 Edison Hot Dance Obscurities Volume 1 This release includes the hot recordings made in 1927 and 1928 by Frank Winegar's Penn. Boys and B.A. Rolfe's Orchestra for the Edison Company. BDW8041 Fess Williams, 1926-1930 (2 CD set) The complete Victor recordings, including all known takes, as well as nine alternate takes from Williams' Vocalion/Brunswick sessions not included on Retrieval RTR 79032. BDW8042 Ben Pollack Volume 6 Rare sides recorded in 1928 and 1929 by the so-called "Whoopee Makers" for dime store labels. This band is a contingent from the Ben Pollack Orchestra, and features Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden and Jimmy McPartland. Mastered from the best available copies of the original discs, this set includes many sides never re-issued before. Extensive liner notes by Joe Showler. BDW8043 The Red Heads A 3 CD set featuring the complete recordings of the Red Heads, including accompaniments to popular entertainers Cliff Edwards and J.C. Flippen. The set includes all known takes and insightful liner notes by noted Toronto pianist Reide Kaiser. BDW8044 Ben Pollack Volume 7 The last of our series of Pollack recordings, this one includes the remaining sides recorded in 1929 by the so-called "Whoopee Makers" for dime store labels, as well as Pollack's 1933 recordings. Mastered from the best available copies of the original discs, this set includes many sides never re-issued before. Extensive liner notes by Joe Showler. BDW8045 Lud Gluskin 1924-33 (2 CD Set) A compilation of rare European recordings by Gluskin's band, featuring several American jazz musicians including Gene Prendergast, Spencer Clark and Paulie Freed. Gluskin specialist Andreas Schmauder has selected 48 of the band's best sides from among the over 400 recordings made by the band in Vienna, Paris and Berlin, and the booklet contains rare photographs and extensive notes by Andreas. BDW8046 Wilbur Sweatman 1916-35 (2 CD Set) A compilation of pioneering recordings made by African-American clarinetist Wilbur Sweatman, a veteran of the vaudeville stage who made an important contribution to the popularization of jazz music in the late Teens and early Twenties. This set was compiled by Mark Berresford, an authority on Sweatman, and includes extensive liner notes written by Mark based on his research into Sweatman's life and music. BDW8047 BDW 8047 A Gift From The President This CD was the brainchild of our President, John R.T. Davies, and is offered as a gift with the purchase of any Jazz Oracle CD. It includes a selection of rare alternative takes and other previously-unissued material, including the legendary 1925 recording of Mother Me, Tennessee by Wingy Manone's San Sue Strutters. BDW8048 BDW 8048 Edison Hot Dance Obscurities Volume 2 This release includes the hot recordings made between 1926 and 1929 by Oreste (Migliaccio) and His Queensland Orchestra. Liner notes by researcher Joe Moore provide new information about this band and its activities. BDW8049 BDW 8049 Paramount Hot Dance Obscurities Volume 2 Rare sides recorded by the New York Recording Laboratories for issue on the Broadway, Challenge and Paramount labels. Includes recordings by such obscure bands as the Wisconsin U Skyrockets, Billy Stennett's Carolina Stompers and Bud Spaight's Harmony Kings. Extensive liner notes by Paramount researcher Alex van der Tuuk and 1920s jazz expert Joel O'Sickey BDW8050 Adrian Rollini, 1929-34 (2 CD Set) This set includes some of Rollini's obscure sides from 1929 and 1930, as well as all of his studio band recordings from 1933 to May 1934. Featured musicians include Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Arthur Rollini, Jimmy Dorsey, Max Kaminsky, Bud Freeman and others. BDW8051 Dorsey Brothers Volume 4, 1930-34 The final volume of our series on the Dorsey Brothers' early recordings, this compilation includes Jimmy Dorsey's solo recordings made in London in 1930, as well as rare sides by the Dorsey Brothers' Orchestra from 1934. Featured musicians, aside from the Dorseys, include Bunny Berigan and Glenn Miller. BDW8052 Edison Hot Dance Obscurities, Volume 3, 1927-29 This release includes the hot recordings made for the Edison Company by Joe Herlihy's Orchestra, the Piccadilly Players, and Mal Hallett, including eight rejected masters. Liner notes by researcher Joe Moore put Edison's recordings of jazz and hot dance artists into perspective, and provide new information about the featured bands. BDW8053 Jack Teagarden 1930 Studio Sessions Rare performances featuring Jack Teagarden with bands led by Ben Selvin and Sam Lanin - including all known titles and takes - originally recorded for Columbia and Gennett. Other featured musicians include Jimmy Dorsey, Mannie Klein and Benny Goodman. The detailed liner notes are by Teagarden specialist Joe Showler. BDW8054 Eddie South Cheloni Broadcast Transcriptions, 1933 (3 CD set) The complete Cheloni broadcasts, recorded by violinist South and his orchestra in Hollywood. This set provides a glimpse of South's broad repertoire, from popular songs of the day to tangos, rumbas and traditional folk songs. Extensive liner notes by are by South specialist Anthony Barnett. BDW 8055 STU PLETCHER - 1924-1937 A thorough review of trumpeter Stu Pletcher's career, with recordings by the Yale Collegians, Red Norvo, Ben Pollack, Smith Ballew, as well as two privately-recorded piano solos by Pletcher. The detailed liner notes are by Tom Pletcher, Stu's son and a jazz musician in his own right. The 40 page booklet features photographs from the Pletcher family's archives. BDW 8056 The Three T’s – “Live” from the Hickory House – 1936 BDW 8057 JOE ROBICHAUX 1929-1933 Joe Robichaux was a New Orleans pianist who began his career in the late Teens and remained active until the early 1960s. During this time he played with many jazz greats, including Punch Miller, Oscar Celestin, Kid Rena, Lee Collins and George Lewis. This compilation covers the sides recorded by Joe Robichaux and His New Orleans Rhythm Boys for Vocalion in 1933, as well as two 1929 recordings by Christina Gray featuring Robichaux's piano accompaniment.