In 1964, George Buck's Jazzology label had a well-publicized popularity poll. This record date resulted, with all of the winners (except
Louis Armstrong) being present for 18 songs, nine released on the original album while the remainder (mostly alternate takes) were later issued under pianist
Don Ewell's name. The group was filled with New Orleans jazz veterans, most of whom were quite familiar with each other's playing (since the George Lewis band was the nucleus): trumpeter Kid Thomas Valentine, clarinetist George Lewis, trombonist
Jim Robinson, pianist
Don Ewell, banjoist George Guesnon, bassist Slow Drag Pavageau, and drummer Cie Frazier. They jam through a variety of New Orleans, Dixieland, and swing standards in typically ragged fashion. Valentine, who could be quite erratic, is particularly inspired (knowing that he actually came in second place in the poll), and this is one of Lewis' last good sessions. Easily recommended to fans of 1960s New Orleans revival jazz. ~ Scott Yanow