George Lewis with Kid Shots

Although this music is historic, it is quite erratic. George Lewis was one of the top New Orleans clarinetists when he was on but during most of these titles he is noticeably out-of-tune. Trumpeter Louis "Kid Shots" Madison is also quite streaky and, although trombonist Jim Robinson is consistent and the pianoless rhythm section (banjoist Lawrence Marrero, bassist Alcide "Slow Drag" Pavageau and drummer Baby Dodds) is solid, the weak frontline sinks this effort even with the inclusion of the earliest version of "Burgundy Street Blues." The CD concludes with three obscure performances by the same group with Bunk Johnson on trumpet; this version of "Sister Kate" was previously unissued. But there are many more rewarding George Lewis performances to be found elsewhere.