About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Volume two of King Oliver's complete issued Victor recordings as presented in 2007 by the U.K.'s Frog label opens with two distinct versions of that grand old melody "Frankie & Johnny," featuring Clinton Walker's tuba and Roy Smeck's harmonica. Unlike King Oliver's earlier recorded works, the Victors are typical of standard jazz and dance band music as performed in New York at the end of the 1920s. Some of the arrangements might seem a bit gummy when compared with somebody like Duke Ellington, but on the level this is enjoyable classic jazz with great trumpeting by Oliver's nephew Dave Nelson, Bubber Miley and Henry "Red" Allen. Most of King Oliver's final Victor records were cut in New York at studios located on East 24th St., 46th St. and at Liederkranz Hall on East 58th St. between Park and Lexington Avenues. His very last date as a leader occurred in Camden, N.J. on September 19, 1930; the recordings made on that day add up to two takes of "Stealing Love" and three renderings of the "Nelson Stomp." Frog's two-volume analysis of Joe Oliver's complete Victor recordings is well worth investigating. While some may chafe at hearing so many alternate takes, those who are fascinated by the King Oliver legacy and early jazz in general will want to make time to absorb each and every historic performance. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide All Music Guide

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