This highly enjoyable two-CD set is comprised of 51 selections by over 40 different groups. Very much a sampler of the Capitol and Aladdin catalogs, the music emphasizes medium tempo and rollicking blues, with an occasional slower piece tossed in for variety. In addition to such hits as "Cow Cow Boogie," "Jumpin' with Symphony Sid," and "He's a Real Gone Guy," there are also previously unreleased selections from
Ella Mae Morse,
Johnny Mercer,
Harry "The Hipster" Gibson, and
Gene Ammons. The performers range from jazz players to those more closely associated with blues and early R&B; among the participants are
Jesse Price,
Kay Starr,
T-Bone Walker,
the King Cole Trio, the Cootie Williams Orchestra,
Big Jay McNeely, and
Louis Jordan, plus many others. Fun party music. ~ Scott Yanow