Turk Murphy's Jazz Band was the perfect group to revive and interpret Jelly Roll Morton's music in 1953. The trombonist really studied the early tunes and came up with enthusiastic, fresh, yet respectful interpretations. The sextet (also including either Don Kinch or Bob Short on trumpet, clarinetist Bob Helm, pianist Wally Rose, banjoist Dick Lammi and Freddie Crewes or Short on tuba) performs 16 Morton tunes highlighted by "Kansas City Stomps," "Mr. Jelly Lord," "Shreveport Stomp," "Milenberg Joys" and "The Pearls." During an era when there were many amateur groups playing Dixieland warhorses for partying audiences, Turk Murphy's band was generally on a much higher level altogether. Unfortunately, this LP (reissued in the 1970s) will probably be difficult to find.
Turk Murphy
Music of Jelly Roll Morton
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