Dixieland Music

I agree with G. Schneider that, at long last, Matty Matlock's Paducah Patrol is on CD. The first album,"And they Called It Dixieland", features a well-orchestrated set of arrangements for a big Dixieland band,featuring Abe Lincoln on trombone, Eddie Miller on baritone sax and tenor, and Matty, of course, on clarinet. These have some of his best solos. The second album,"Gold Diggers...", features some of his sidemen from "Dixieland U.S.A.", Johnny Best on trumpet, Moe Schneider on trombone, and Nick Fatool on drums. It's not quite as hot. George Van Eps's guitar work on "Lazy River" and Lincoln's trombone make this CD worth collecting. lET'S HAVE MORE!

I am absolutely delighted that AND THEY CALLED IT DIXIELAND has made it (finally!) to CD! This has been my "desert island" album for probably 40 years, a truly PERFECT album. The arrangements are superb; the choice of material is great; the musicianship is astounding.

I am somewhat disappointed that the album was paired with GOLD DIGGERS IN DIXIELAND. I wish they had chosen FOUR-BUTTON DIXIE, the follow-up to AND THEY CALLED IT DIXIELAND. For GOLD DIGGERS, the line-up was changed and the sound of the band suffers from it.

But that won't stop me from ordering this from Amazon the second I finish posting this review!

This collection of previously unreleased radio broadcasts are quite entertaining, if you dig Prima's orchestra. Recorded in the early 50's, this CD contains early appearances of Keely Smith before these musical masters collaborated with Sam Butera and The Witnesses, which may explain for some of the droll arrangements, but overall a great listen. The recordings contain original introductions made by Prima over the airwaves, along with a radio personality, which adds to the authenticity. Keely certainly holds her own on songs such as "That's the way it Goes," and "That's My Desire." Prima always had a way with a tune, especially ones such as "Ja-da," "Robin Hood," "Angelina," and an early version of "Exactly Like You." He and Keely make a delightful team on "Enjoy Yourself," and Prima shines with the banter between him and his orchestra in the Turk/Alhert composition "Mean to Me." It is definitely worth a listen...