Jazz Variations, Volumes 1 & 2

by Various Artists

Includes liner notes by Robert George Reisner and Charles Edward Smith.

Personnel: Allen Hanlon (guitar); Prince Robinson, Hank D'Amico (clarinet); Edgar Samson, Joe Evans, Russell Procope (alto saxophone); Coleman Hawkins, Eddie Miller (tenor saxophone); Rex Stewart, Bill Coleman (trumpet); Les Jenkins, Benny Morton, Claude Jones (trombone); Fletcher Henderson, Jess Stacy, Mary Lou Williams (piano); Denzil Best, Eddie Dougherty, Don Carter, Walter Johnson (drums).

Liner Note Author: Charles Edward Smith.

Jazz Variations, Vols. 1-2 is an enjoyable compilation but one that lacks continuity. Stylistically, this collection features an array of early New Orleans jazz (Jelly Roll Morton), stride piano (James P. Johnson), and swing (Jess Stacy and Benny Morton). While collectors won't find any rarities here, this disc works as a primer to entice new listeners to search for further material by these early jazz greats. ~ Al Campbell