Jazz Pick Of The Week: That's A Plenty

This Nov. 27, 1943 recording on Commodore Records led by cornetist Wild Bill Davison is a great example of Chicago Style Jazz popularized by white Chicagoans in the 1920's and based around Austin H.S. on Chicago's west side; hence the names Austin High Gang and Chicago Style Jazz. It's less relaxed than more traditional black Dixieland bands out of New Orleans, featuring a raucous, race to the finish tempo and more freewheeling individual solos emulating the faster pace of life in Chicago. Also appearing on this side are Pee Wee Russell, clarinet; George Brunnies, trombone, Eddie Condon, guitar; Gene Schraeder, piano; George Wettling, drums; and Bob Casey, drums. Davison's pick up group was tabbed the "Commodores" after the record label, which in turn, was started in 1937 by Milt Gabler, uncle of comedian Billy Crystal. Crystal's father ran the Commodore Record Store, a famous NYC jazz record shop which gave its name to the record company. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di-4yMei3Wc