Royal Garden Blues – 1958
Max Kaminsky All-Stars
An explosive Dixieland jam
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In 1958, Art Ford hosted a series of 90-minute televised jazz programs that featured large all-star groups jamming some of their favorite tunes.
It was probably the greatest regular jazz series ever although existing films have only been partially made available.
This particular performance from July 24, 1958 of the Dixieland classic “Royal Garden Blues” may not have the best picture, but the music is too stirring not to be enjoyed.
On the uptempo blues, trumpeter Max Kaminsky leads a group that features solos from pianist Johnny Guarnieri, trombonist Cutty Cutshall, tenor-saxophonist Bud Freeman, clarinetist Herb Hall, violinist Stuff Smith, vibraphonist Johnny Rae (or possibly Harry Sheppard), an unseen Danny Barker on banjo (with Vinnie Burke on bass), and drummer George Wettling, topped off by the four closing ensembles.
It is quite fun.
-Scott Yanow
