Striding in Dixieland

This long out-of-print LP features two all-star sessions. The 1938 radio broadcast has pianist Fats Waller teaming up with Louis Armstrong, trombonist Jack Teagarden, Bud Freeman on tenor, guitarist Al Casey and drummer George Wettling for a unique six-song jam sesssion that largely lives up to its potential. This is the only time that Waller recorded with both Armstrong and Teagarden and to hear all three of them sing on "The Blues" is a unique event. The flip side of the album has four songs from a notable trio comprised of pianist James P. Johnson, clarinetist Omer Simeon and bassist Pops Foster. Three of the four songs are group originals while "Bandana Days" is a Eubie Blake composition. The fresh material in general inspires the classic players. ~ Scott Yanow