The second of two CDs that reissue every recording led by pianist
Richard M. Jones is drawn from three periods and has diverse material. The early band sides are often a bit disappointing, particularly the ones from 1927-28 with clarinetist
Artie Stalks and a fairly obscure cast. Two numbers with his "Jazz Wizards" in 1929 are better, due to the participation of trombonist
Roy Palmer and clarinetist
Omer Simeon. Quite rare are six swinging big-band sides from 1935 on which
Jones merely directs (although he does sing "Bring It On Home to Grandma"). Also on this CD are a pair of examples of the pianist singing blues in 1936 (assisted by trumpeter
Lee Collins on his famous "Trouble In Mind") and four decent blues-oriented Dixieland numbers from 1944 with trumpeter
Bob Shoffner and clarinetist
Darnell Howard. The music is not essential overall, but since Classics did include everything, one cannot fault the packaging.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi