Essential early jazz
If you're a fan of early jazz, these recordings need no introduction - the classic New Orleans Rhythm Kings (NORK)recordings from 1922 and 1923 are among the most famous performances in jazz. And the recordings are still immensely enjoyable - the ensemble swings gently but steadily (unlike the more famous Original Dixieland Jazz Band, who sound overdriven and manic in comparison). Jelly Roll Morton performs on some of the 1923 records - a classic encounter!

These recordings have been reissued many times over the years, and these transfers, which were done by John R. T. Davies, are about as good as we are likely to get. I used to have these early NORK recordings on a Chronological Classics reissue, but Davies version is superior. You'll hear surface noise from the original records throughout the CD, but the instruments sound fresh and clear. The collection includes a valuable second CD as a bonus: some excellent sessions led by the NORK's cornetist, Paul Mares, and a handful of rare 1935 recordings, also by Mares.