Lou McGarity

[Durium]

LOU McGARITY

Another rather unknown musician who was rather invisable in those large bands like Benny Goodman's. This new Lonehill Jazz album reissues two of his first albums ......

You should have this record in your collection for the cover only .....

Music from Some Like It Hot

Keep swinging

Durium

[Larry Kart]

I think McGarity could be described as "rather unknown" only if your experience of jazz trombone began with J.J. Johnson. McGarity was prominently featured on lots of Condon and Condon-related sides, plus he got lots of spots with Goodman and was celebrated among those who paid attention to sidemen.

[Big Beat Steve]

Indeed, Larry.

Not unknown to Swing fans at all.

I admit, though, I have somewhat ambivalent feelings about those 50s cash-in platters featuring musicians from bygone days trying to revive their faltering careers and record companies trying to boost sales with cheesecake covers and a mass-appeal sales pitch ("Music from ..."). Not that I don't like those cheesecake covers but do we know if maybe the featured musician was past his prime and the backing a lackluster affair by studio hacks? As we know some of those records of this type are good, but others are so-so and still others just plain dull.

I take your word, then, Durium, that this one is one of the better, then!

The other album on this Lonehill comp, Blue Lou, had the Down Beat reviewers say this:

"... good drinkin' music ... easy-going feeling characteristic of the best Nicksieland ... McGarity has that barrelhouse trombone sound ... the net effect of the entire LP is pleasant. Never provocative. ... Three stars."

Now you know ...

[jazzbo]

I've go Blue Lou on lp and REALLY like it. It's better than that review would lead you to believe!

Haven't heard the lead lp here, but I will. . . .