The Rhythm Rascals, Swing Rhythm Boys, Sid Phillips 1935-1936

Although it is tempting to believe that there was very little jazz to be heard in England during the 1930s and that virtually all of the worthwhile jazz was from the U.S., it simply is not true. It is true that commercial dance bands dominated the British music scene in the mid-'30s, but there were some exciting jazz dates along the way. This CD starts off with 11 selections by the Rhythm Rascals, a series of mostly ten-piece swing bands that at various times included trombonist Ted Heath; clarientist Danny Polo; trumpeter Max Goldberg; and Freddy Gardener on clarinet, alto, tenor, and baritone. Their repertoire was generally swing standards, and the results should greatly interest swing fans. In addition, there are seven songs from the similar Swing Rhythm Boys and four selections from clarinetist Sid Phillips. Although the music overall is not essential, it is generally quite enjoyable, and always swings.