Butch Thompson's King Oliver Centennial Band

by Butch Thompson

Overview

In 1985 pianist Butch Thompson formed an octet using the same instrumentation as King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band of 1923, since it was the centennial year of the cornetist's birth. Thompson's ensemble's only recording took place three years later and it is surprising that most of the 13 selections cut by the band were not actually recorded by Oliver's band (although several were documented by Oliver with later groups). The style, however, is mostly ensemble-oriented (like the early Oliver band) with a few solo spots, particularly for Thompson's piano. The most successful element to the group is the interplay between cornetists Charlie Devore and Cuff Billett. The other musicians (trombonist Pete Dyer, clarinetist Teddy Layton, Malcolm Horne on banjo and guitar, bassist Alyn Shipton and drummer Dave Evans) fit into their roles quite well too. The unlikely but surprisingly complementary material includes "Climax Rag," "Willie the Weeper," "Sugar Blues," "You Were Only Passing Time with Me" and an exciting "Canal Street Blues." Hot music that is revivalistic without being merely derivative. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	08/10/1994
Label:	Ghb Records
UPC:	0762247520221

Tracks

1. Climax Rag
2. Sweet Baby Doll
3. Willie the Weeper
4. If You Knew
5. Shake It and Break It
6. Sweet Like This
7. Wang Wang Blues
8. Sugar Blues
9. I Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody
10. Weary Way Blues
11. You Were Only Passing Time With Me
12. Canal Street Blues
13. Edna

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Butch Thompson   Primary Artist,Piano
Alyn Shipton   Bass
Dave Evans   Drums
Teddy Layton   Clarinet
Pete Dyer   Trombone
Cuff Billett   Cornet
Charlie DeVore   Cornet

Technical Credits

Charlie DeVore   Group Member
Walter Melrose   Composer
Alyn Shipton   Group Member
Alex Hill   Composer
Butch Thompson   Group Member
Teddy Layton   Group Member
Gus P. Statiras   Production Coordination
Marty Bloom   Composer
George H. Buck, Jr.   Liner Notes
Pete Dyer   Group Member
Cuff Billett   Group Member
Mike Hazeldine   Text
Grant Rymal   Composer