Search - Joe Marsala :: Joe Marsala 1936 1942

A romping good time

movieman56 | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's only been a year since I discovered classic swing music from the 30's. My only regret is not being aware of these wonderful recordings sooner. On the flip side, I now have much to discover-and boy am I having fun doing it. Marsala, underrated-and neglected in many jazz reference books(which I find insane)- was at his creative peak fronting these rousing small combo dates. Supporting Marsala's clarinet are young Buddy Rich on drums, harpist Adele Girard(Marsala's wife), Pete Brown on alto sax and the incredible Bill Coleman on trumpet.

Coleman takes the lead on the irresistible "Three O'Clock Jump"-a fast paced gem with a surprise slow down half way through leaving room for an unexpected but pleasing, bluesy vocal by Dell St.John. Seamlessly, the song picks up the pace again. A true classic. Nearly every song is great, with superb musicians lending a unique jam session feel to the proceedings.I'm a happier man for it all."

Joe Marsala 1936-1942

Eleisa Trampler | denver, co USA | 02/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Marsala and his wife Adele Girard shine on this album. Joe's drive and love of the music are apparent in his playing and his technique is especially breathtaking on the pedestrian tune, "I Know That You Know." Adele's choruses with the harp are all too brief on "Wolverine Blues," "Jazz Me Blues," and "Clarinet Marmalade," and we're left wanting more of this instrument that adds such surprising elements of romance and fun to a jazz ensemble. Hands down, Adele is the First Lady of the jazz harp.
Primarily self-taught, she arranged all her own music and wrote a few of the tunes herself. This album is a trip back in time when
every "joint" was jumpin' and the music was alive!"