Title: Avoid buyer's remorse on this one
Product review: The Chronological Classics label superbly documented early American jazz perhaps better than any other label. The company started issuing classic jazz recordings in 1989, and continued releasing new CDs until its bankruptcy in 2004. (The label, with a catalog of nearly 1000 albums, was distributed by a new owner until 2008.)Issuing recordings in chronological order can have its pitfalls. Here, all but 4 of the 25 selections feature the Hammond organ playing of Milt Herth. Sadly, the organ largely drowns out the piano work of Smith. Moreover, Herth's organ work will have little appeal to most modern ears.There are four excellent Smith tracks without organ. But, only the most dedicated of Willie Smith completists would spend money AND listen to the complete CD. The CD might appeal more to those interested in the early history of the Hammond organ in jazz; and those people should search out the organ work of Fats Waller as well.
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