Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 01/24/2006
The first
jazz-oriented orchestra to feature a saxophone section, predating
Paul Whiteman, was led by
Art Hickman in San Francisco during 1917-1921. Until
Archeophone reissued nearly all of
Hickman's recordings on two CDs, his orchestra's performances were completely unavailable for over 80 years.
The San Francisco Sound, Vol. 2 covers
Hickman's output of 1920-1921 and shows that his ten-piece group was more of a syncopated dance band than an out-and-out
jazz group. Also including trumpet, trombone, violin, piano, two banjos, bass,
Hickman on drums, and second piano, the ensemble was most notable for featuring
Clyde Doerr and
Bert Ralton on various reeds. Two of the most enjoyable selections,
"Nightingale" and
"Sweet Little Stranger," are by
the Hickman Trio, consisting of
Doerr,
Ralton, and pianist
Frank Ellis. Although there are no individual solos to be heard on any of these performances (solos did not begin to become common on
jazz records until 1924), the music is jazzy and rhythmic, hinting at what was to come. It is particularly interesting hearing
Hickman's versions of a few songs identified with
Whiteman during the era. The recording quality is surprisingly good overall and this music definitely has its charm.
~Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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