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A compilation of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Columbia recordings from 1976 to 1988, this 76-minute CD is an excellent introduction to the work of these senior New Orleans musicians. It also testifies to the band’s durability as well as that of the music, with only a single change in personnel over the period covered. The disc concentrates on the most familiar repertoire, whether rags, blues, hymns, or popular songs, including “Tiger Rag,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” There are also beautiful renderings of Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo,” taking the tune back to its roots in a New Orleans blues song, and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on My Mind.” –Stuart Broomer
The Best of Preservation Hall Jazz Band
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Classic Dixieland pieces performed in the band style that marks the best of the originals. Unlike some modern Dixieland that has been smoothed out for easy listening, these songs have the authentic old Dixie edge to them. From the growling on Tiger Rag through the piano improvs to the soaring clarinet, this sounds like the Dixieland bands of old recordings. Except, this is one technically clean CD. Fine, fine sound balance gives you the feel of being in the band. This CD gives one the essential old Dixieland sound, banjo included, that was the hallmark of the music which rode north from Storyville on the sternwheelers.
Rating: 5 / 5
Let’s face it – even if you’re going to New Orleans to party at Mardi Gras or because you’re an Anne Rice fan, Jazz is part of the reason you’re vacationing at the Big Easy. This gem includes much of the music you’ll hear either attending Preservation Hall one evening or walking the streets anytime from noon till a few hours before dawn – with “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” being a possible exception unless you’re in town during a funeral procession. Then again “When the Saints go Marchin’ In” quickly reminds you that mourners can be comforted that it’s them going through the difficult time, while their loved one has joined the big, neverending party Up There – an essential part of New Orleans philosophy.
So open up the pralines you also brought back, and munch on them while you show everyone your vacation pictures and listen to this more durable souvenir!
Rating: 5 / 5
Other places may try to claim jazz as their own, but no one can hold a candle to the jazz from New Orleans. The Big Easy is where it was invented and it doesn’t sound any better than when it’s played by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
This disc is a collection of their best songs spanning the time from 1976 to 1988. Everything is here. From the LSU(and my high school) favorite, “Tiger Rag,” to the easily recognized “When The Saints Go Marching In,” you’ll find it on this disc. I love the band’s take on “Georgia On My Mind” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” They are both proof that everything sounds a little better with jazz.
Folks will also recognize “Joe Avery.” They may not know that “Joe Avery” is the title, but when they here the trumpet, they’ll recognize this one as a huge Mardi Gras favorite.
Every single song on this album is well worth the price. Buy this disc if you want to know what the real deal sounds like.
Rating: 5 / 5
Preservation Hall is the epicenter of Jazz on this planet and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band represents in fine fashion. Having each band member featured on a particular song adds to the uniqueness of this CD and is a great asset, not something that “almost eliminates” the excellence of the compositions.
I’m a native New Orleanian who’s been to Preservation Hall many times and I own this CD. The shallow review of one reviewer should in no way dissuade you from buying this CD as a central part of any Jazz collection. This tracks chosen for this recording are a fantastic cross-section of Jazz and of the band itself and is well worth the investment.
Rating: 5 / 5
I purchased this set because I love New Orleans jazz and I had been to the Preservation Hall several times over the years. I already have several of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s LPs. Because of Hurricane Katrina, I didn’t know if the Band would be producing any more music. So I bought “The Best of Preservation Hall Jazz Band” CDs. I wasn’t disappointed, and I’m very happy to see that the French Quarter was spared major damage. It is the birth place of a truly American art form: Dixieland Jazz.
Rating: 5 / 5