Billy Maxted

Billy Maxted's music falls between the spontaneity of Dixieland and the arrangements of swing. The pianist/arranger led a septet during his prime years (1958-1963) that featured trumpeter Chuck Forsyth; clarinetist Danny Tracey (also heard on tenor); and John Dengler on bass sax, tuba, and cornet. This particular LP also has trombonist Ed Hubble, bassist Jack Lesberg, and drummer Don MacLean. The music is quite enjoyable and full of little surprises, with "Come Back Sweet Papa," "Milenberg Joys," "Tiger Rag," and "Gin Mill Blues" getting the most memorable treatments. Although largely left out of the jazz history books (and out of any reissue programs), Billy Maxted deserves to have his contributions to jazz rediscovered. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide