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Jazz

This week's column is dedicated to antiquity. In line with this it should be mentioned that a number of new and improved records have been cut by the revitalized Kid Ory Band with Omer Simcon and Papa Mutt Carey still effectively holding back father time.

There are a few really good but long lost Johnny Dodds renditions on Paramount which have just been figs, the Century company. They include "Weary Way Blues" and "Sock That Thing" by the Dixieland Tub Thumpers. Those who fall into the class of D-L thumpers according to Hot Discography are Dodds, N. Dominique, J. Blythe and an unknown virtuoso on the washboard. The Century Company has also reissued a trombone solo by the Rogers under the biological title, "It Hurts So Good." They enclose free with every C.O.D. order a cheery letter promising to reissue a Jelly Roll Morton masterpiece soon.

Two other old Dodds discs have reissued by the AM Company one of which, the "19th St. Blues" "Careless Love" coupling, is worth having. "Bohunkus Blues," and its reverse, however, should never have been exhumed.

A Mr. Boris Rose of New York is doing some interesting experimentation on the reduction of surface noise on reissues. He has worked on some of the ancient gems like the Sam Morgan set which featured many of Bunk's present side men when they still possessed all of their faculties, and could easily be persuaded to part with some of these.

Those who feel that 1917 saw zenith of recorded jazz will be pleased to hear that a member of the original Dixieland Jazz Band, one Tony Spargo (ne Sparbaro) has drunk the fountain of youth and gleaned strength enough therefrom to make another record. The anachronistic session took place under the auspices of the Swan Record Company and the songs "Sister Kate" and "I'll Never Be The Same" were played. Supported by another refugee from the mothballs, Phil Napolean, a cornetist who used to tootle feebly with Miff Mole and the rest of the Memphis Five, Tony whistles, sings and hums through a comb wrapped in tissue paper throughout both sides. Napolean--unlike King Oliver, the Benny Goodman band and fresh mackerel--has actually improved with age. There's nothing flashy about his playing, but its good steady LaRocco stuff.

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