Jubilee Shows, Vol. 9: Nos. 194 & 195

Performers include: Earl Hines & Orchestra, Peggy Lee, Les Paul Trio, The Town Criers, Tommy Todd Trio, Ricky Jordan.
Personnel: Earl Hines (piano); Arthur Walker (vocals, trumpet); Dolores Parker, Vernon Polk, Alva Polk, Gordon Polk, Lucy Ann Polk, Peggy Lee (vocals); Rene Hall (guitar, trombone); Al Hendrickson, Les Paul, Bob Bain (guitar); Lloyd Smith (flute, alto saxophone); George "Scoops" Carry (clarinet, alto saxophone); Kermit Scott, Wardell Gray (tenor saxophone); Buddy Hills, John "Buddy" Williams (baritone saxophone); Palmer "Fats" Davis, Willie Cook (trumpet); Gordon Alston, Walter Harris, Joe McLewis, Bennie Green (trombone); Bill Wardell, Milt Raskin, Tommy Todd (piano); Bill Thompson (vibraphone); David Booth, Ralph Collier (drums).
Liner Note Author: Scott Yanow.
Arrangers: Buggs Roberts; Rene Hall.
Vol. 9 in the valuable Jubilee series reissues two complete shows, both of which were recorded the same day in 1946. As usual for the Jubilee programs, Ernest "Bubbles" Whitman is the genial MC, spouting out silly tongue twisters and showing enthusiasm for everything. Earl Hines and his big band get top billing, but they are barely present during show number 194 other than on versions of "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "Rosetta," the latter having a vocal by Lord Essex. Of more significance are features for the Les Paul Trio (including an exciting version of "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise" that has guitarist Paul and pianist Milt Raskin battling each other), two songs for Peggy Lee ("I Get the Blues When It Rains" and "I Didn't Know Enough About You") that have her joined by Paul's group, and a couple numbers by the vocal group the Town Criers. The latter consists of four siblings, including future big band singer Lucy Ann Polk. Show number 195 has more of Hines' band, including playing on "Straight Life" (which has a tenor solo from Wardell Gray); backing the vocals of Dolores Parker ("Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'"), Arthur Walker (an overly dramatic "Why Was I Born"), and Lord Essex ("Symphony"), and romping a bit on "The Honeydripper." This show also has singing by Ricky Jordan ("On the Sunny Side of the Street") and a specialty number by pianist Tommy Todd's group ("Wagon Wheels"). Overall, there are enough worthwhile moments during the two shows to make this CD of interest to swing collectors. ~ Scott Yanow