Wilbur DeParis - Marchin' and Swingin'/At Symphony Hall (CD)

All Music Guide

In the 1950s, trombonist Wilbur DeParis His New New Orleans Jazz Band played an intriguing mixture of Dixieland standards, obscurities, originals, and offbeat pieces in spirited fashion. With cornetist Sidney DeParis (Wilbur's brother) and former Jelly Roll Morton pianist Omer Simeon in the front line, this was one of the most exciting trad bands of the era. This two-CD set brings back a pair of DeParis' Atlantic albums (none of which have been reissued by Atlantic): Marchin' and Swingin' (the first recording by the group) and DeParis' At Symphony Hall concert of 1956. The former set is particularly rewarding, with memorable versions of "Martinique," "Under the Double Eagle," "Shreveport Stomp," "Hindustan," and a version of "The Saints" that (in its second half) is taken at a blistering tempo. The At Symphony Hall recording has five DeParis originals among the nine songs (including "Toll Gate Blues" and "Wrought Iron Rag") and also finds the band in prime form. - Scott Yanow, All Mus...ic Guide Read more Less