Jabbo Smith

Jabbo Smith had a strange career, recording classics when he was 18-20 but essentially a has-been by the time he turned 21. The fiery trumpeter's greatest recordings were the 19 selections he cut with his Rhythm Aces, and they are all on this 1996 CD, along with a previously unreleased "Weird and Blue" and two hot numbers cut with Ikey Robinson's pickup group. Despite this reissue's title, all of the numbers are from 1929, Jabbo Smith's greatest year. His exciting (and sometimes reckless) trumpet solos are quite memorable on such tunes as "Jazz Battle," "Ace of Rhythms," "Decatur Street Tutti," and "Band Box Stomp." In addition, Smith was a fine jazz vocalist (best on "As Time Gets Better"), takes a decent trombone solo on "Lina Blues," and is assisted by such talented sidemen as clarinetist Omer Simeon, pianist Cassino Simpson, and banjoist Ikey Robinson. Essential music for classic jazz and 1920s collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide