The 2 CDs in this set are divided chronologically. Disc one has 21 tracks from the prohibition era .…the nightspots and dives of KC thrived in the hands of local crime syndicates and jazz was the entertainment. Bennie Moten, Andy Kirk and plenty of more obscure local bands, both black and white. Includes what is probably Jimmy Rushing’s first recording.
Disc 2 continues the story. In the decade leading up to 1942 it was Count Basie whose name became synonymous with the Kansas City style but is sensibly limited to three tunes here, leaving space for Harlan Leonard, Jay McShann, Mary Lou Williams etc. |
