New Orleans Jazz
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.

Jazz as it always sounded
Preversation Hall Jazz Band is what the name implies, preserving the way Jazz was played and passing it on in that form. This isn't popular with some Jazz people but their is something to say for classic playing. For me this is an aspect of Jazz that I like played "this way" and they do a great job of it.

This CD gives you an excellent selection of songs at a very good price. Each number is very well done and easy on the ears and great fun. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the top of their form. The classic "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is worth the price of the CD as a stand alone. Add in "When The Saints Go Marching In", "Tiger Rag" and a couple of others for an outstanding value.

Amazing Music From True Masters
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.

Best of Jazz
I saw the band perform several times in the 1980's. Truly a wonderfull experience. The review of the person complaining the singing wasn't that good is completely off the mark: what did he expect, the plastic voice of someone who had a full sound stage to hide the fact he couldn't sing at all?

The Epicenter of Jazz
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.