Tom Brown's Band from Dixie Land

• Artist: Tom Brown
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1955
• Total Time: 72:59
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Tom Brown was an early pioneer in New Orleans jazz. Born in New Orleans, he took the first jazz group up to Chicago in 1915; however, his success was soon overshadowed by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and, since his group at the time was not recorded, Brown's early contributions to jazz have been largely forgotten. Fortunately, he did survive into the 1950s and recorded an album apiece as a leader for GHB and Southland. Both are reissued on this 1994 CD which adds a previously unreleased version of "Sensation" to make an even 20 selections. While the first album is from May 7, 1955, the exact date of the second one is in question: a discography lists March 3, 1958 and the date of April 4, 1958 is given on the CD. The only problem is that Brown died on March 25, 1958! (Chances are that the second set was actually from 1955.) In any case, Brown sounds fine as a typical tailgate trombonist. The earlier project matches Brown with trumpeter Johnny Wiggs (who is mostly effective although a little erratic), clarinetist Harry Shields, pianist Stanley Mendelson, guitarist Edmond Souchon (who has four so-so vocals), bassist Sherwood Mangiapane and drummer Eddie Tchantz. While that set is highlighted by "At the Jazz Band Ball," "Fidgety Feet" and the obscure "Gallatin Street Grind," the later session is actually the superior of the two. Brown teams up with the powerful if underrated trumpeter Mike Lala, clarinetist Raymond Burke, pianist Roy Zimmerman, guitarist Joe Caparo, bassist Mangiapane again and drummer Paul Edwards. On such numbers as "San Sue Strut," "Weary Blues," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "Golden Leaf Strut" (which is really "Milenberg Joys"), the music is swinging, creative within the genre and joyful. Since this CD has both of Brown's dates as a leader, it certainly qualifies as being the definitive Tom Brown set. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
At the Jazz Band Ball	Eddie Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro, Larry Shields	Tom Brown	(2:58)
Heebies Jeebies		Tom Brown	(1:54)
Pallet on the Floor		Tom Brown	(3:03)
Black Snake Blues		Tom Brown	(7:46)
Fidgety Feet	Eddie Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro, Larry Shields	Tom Brown	(2:48)
Clarinet Marmalade		Tom Brown	(3:36)
Postman's Lament		Tom Brown	(3:18)
Gallatin Street Grind		Tom Brown	(3:42)
Tin Roof Blues		Tom Brown	(3:47)
She Keeps It up All the Time		Tom Brown	(2:32)
A Closer Walk With Thee		Tom Brown	(3:14)
San Sue Strut		Tom Brown	(3:40)
Lazy River	Hoagy Carmichael, Sidney Arodin	Tom Brown	(4:11)
Weary Blues		Tom Brown	(3:29)
Let Me Call You Sweetheart		Tom Brown	(4:51)
Golden Leaf Strut		Tom Brown	(4:29)
Clarinet Marmalade		Tom Brown	(3:44)
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi		Tom Brown	(4:09)
Savoy Blues		Tom Brown	(2:37)
Sensation Blues		Tom Brown	(3:11)

Credits

Raymond Burke (Clarinet), Joseph Mares (Photography), Stan Mendelson (Piano), Edmond Souchon (Vocals), Edmond Souchon (Guitar), Harry Shields (Clarinet), Roy Zimmerman (Piano), Johnny Wiggs (Trumpet), Sherwood Mangiapane (Sax (Bass)), Raymond Burke (Sax (Soprano)), George H. Buck, Jr. (Liner Notes), Joe Caparo (Guitar), Sherwood Mangiapane (Bass), Paul Edwards (Drums), Johnny Wiggs (Cornet), Eddie Tchantz (Drums), Sherwood Mangiapane (Vocals), Tom Brown (Trombone)