This two-CD set has four complete radio shows featuring
Eddie Condon
's all-star groups during their legendary series of Town Hall concerts. Despite having large ensembles of classic players,
Condon
was able to feature virtually everyone on every show, still leaving room for ensemble pieces and interplay between the unique musicians. In addition, the verbal commentary of
and announcer
Fred Robbins
is informative and witty (even if they picked on
Pee Wee Russell
a bit too much). Among the musicians heard on the well-recorded set (which like the other volumes in this extensive series is highly recommended to fans of Chicago jazz) include trumpeters
Bobby Hackett
,
Hot Lips Page
Max Kaminsky
Jonah Jones
and
Billy Butterfield
, trombonists
Bill Harris
Benny Morton
, clarinetists
Joe Marsala
Edmond Hall
, baritonist
Ernie Caceres
and pianists
James P. Johnson
Willie "The Lion" Smith
Gene Schroeder
. ~ Scott Yanow