Miff Mole's Molers 1927

Trombonist Miff Mole gained some fame in the 1920s for his many recordings with cornetist Red Nichols. At a time when many other trombonists had a much more percussive approach, Mole had an unusual style full of staccato runs, unpredictable interval jumps and impressive technique. Mole led a series of sessions during the 1927-30 period with his Molers, which overlapped personnel with Nichols' bands, utilizing some of the top white studio players of the era. This superior British LP contains all 12 numbers cut at the trombonist's sessions of 1927, plus four tunes on which the band backs the popular singer Sophie Tucker. With Nichols, either Jimmy Dorsey or Pee Wee Russell on clarinet, usually pianist Arthur Schutt, guitarist Dick McDonough and drummer Vic Berton being among the key sidemen (bass saxophonist Adrian Rollini is an asset on the final six numbers), the music is quite advanced for the time, particularly in its arrangements. Highlights include "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Hurricane," "Davenport Blues," Tucker's "After You've Gone," "Imagination" and "Original Dixieland One-Step."