Jimmy O'Bryant, Vol. 2 & Vance Dixon (1923-1931): Hot Clarinet

Personnel: Jimmy O'Bryant (clarinet); Vance Dixon (clarinet); Hattie McDaniel (vocals, accordion); Lois Deppe, Vance Dixon & His Pencils, Papa Too Sweet (vocals); Lawrence Dixon, W.E. Burton (banjo); Harry Jackson (alto saxophone); Alec Channey, Jimmy Blythe, Earl Hines (piano); Harry Williams (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Gerhard Wessely.
Liner Note Author: Ross Wilby.
Recording information: Chicago, IL (08/??/1925-06/12/1931); N.Y.C., NY (08/??/1925-06/12/1931); Richmond, IN (08/??/1925-06/12/1931).
Unknown Contributor Roles: Dixon's Jazz Duo; Jimmie O'Bryant's Famous Original Washboard Band; Joe Watts; Dixon's Jazz Maniacs.
The second of two Jimmy O'Bryant CDs released by the Austrian RST label features the early and long-obscure clarinetist (who sometimes sounded a bit like Johnny Dodds) on the last nine recordings made by his ironically titled Jimmy O'Bryant's Washboard Wonders. These trio performances feature O'Bryant, pianist Jimmy Blythe, and either Jasper Taylor or W.E. Buddy Burton on washboard; Burton plays effective banjo on "Sugar Babe," and other highlights include "Milenberg Joys," "My Man Rocks Me," and "Shake That Thing." The latter half of this set has recordings by clarinetist and altoist Vance Dixon (who makes O'Bryant seem famous in comparison) with Deppe's Seranaders in 1923 ("Congaine" also features pianist Earl Hines), in duos and trios from 1926-27, backing blues singer Hattie McDaniels (the future actress) on two numbers in 1929, and O'Bryant leading his own group on four novelties from 1931 (including "Laughing Stomp"). Although not as essential as the more significant 1920s recordings, this CD (along with Jimmy O'Bryant's Washboard Band, Vol. 1) is certainly worth exploring by fans of the era. ~ Scott Yanow