Bud Freeman- Chicago/ Austin High School (MCD-1002)

The performances contained herein of three sessions led by Bud Freeman, one of the founders of the Chicago jazz style, on RCA Victor in 1957 are further proof that even the age of some of the participants and the constant repetition of these tried and true warhorses hadn't diminished any individualistic fire or creative thought process. Given the changes in jazz and the public's musical taste during the late 1950s, it is remarkable that Bud Freeman got to make an album on a major label at all!

Wisely, the great tenor saxophonist did not waste this rare opportunity and assembled three excellent bands to tackle 14 venerated compositions from the '20s and '30s. as well as one new tune, composed by Freeman and Dick Cary. Sidemen include Jimmy McPartland or Billy Butterfield on trumpet, Tyree Glenn or Jack Teagarden on trombone, Pee Wee Russell or Peanuts Hucko on clarinet, Dick Cary or Gene Schroeder on piano, Al Casamenti on guitar, Milt Hinton or Leonard Gaskin on bass and George Wettling on drums.

Both Bud Freeman and Jack Teagarden, not surprisingly, are on top of their game and Teagarden contributes three vocals to the seven tunes on which he is featured. Some of Billy Butterfield's finest playing on record is featured. The seamless flow of Peanuts Hucko's clarinet on the last session contrasted by the incomparable daring statements made by Pee Wee Russell on the first two will continue to amaze and enthrall the listener. When Chicago/Austin High School Jazz in Hi-Fi was initially released, four titles had been omitted due to time restraints and found their way onto the compilation Bread, Butter and Jam In Hi-Fi a year later. This is the first time all fifteen tracks have been gathered together on one release. The tunes include classics from those McKenzie and Condon Chicagoan sessions for OKeh in 1927 - Liza, Nobody's Sweetheart, China Boy and Sugar - and the Bud Freeman and his Famous Chicagoans date for Columbia in 1940 featuring Teagarden and Russell - Prince of Wails, Jack Hits The Road, Forty-Seventh And State and At The Jazz Band Ball.