A legendary New Orleans clarinetist, Albert Burbank only actually led one album of his own, a late-period set for the tiny Smoky Mary label in 1969. This particular CD actually finds Burbank as a sideman with Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band in 1954, heard during radio broadcasts from San Francisco's Club Hangover. Ory's band at the time included the lead trombonist Burbank, the underrated trumpeter Alvin Alcorn, pianist Don Ewell, bassist Ed Garland, and drummer Minor Hall. The group is heard romping through a variety of New Orleans and Dixieland standards (including "Clarinet Marmalade," "Fidgety Feet," "Panama" and "Shine") plus an 11-minute version of "Blues for Jimmie Noone." Although, to be accurate, this music should have been issued under Ory's name, fans of the relatively obscure Albert Burbank will also enjoy the spirited music, released as part of the ten volume Sounds of New Orleans series. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
