Exploring the Roots: Sol Ho'opi'i's Hawaiian Guitar Mastery
December 1999's gem is none other than Sol Ho'opi'i, Master of the Hawaiian Guitar, volume 1, encapsulating the golden era of Hawaiian music infused with jazz elements. Released by Rounder Records, these tracks from 1926 to 1930 stand as testaments to Ho'opi'i's transformative journey from Hawaii to California, igniting a Hawaiian music craze with his adept ukulele play and revolutionary steel guitar techniques. This collection is an ideal gateway into traditional Hawaiian falsetto yodeling tufted within the catchy rhythms of period jazz.
A Delectable Jazz Treat: Lil Hardin Armstrong's Swing Orchestra
Kicking off January 2000 is the indispensable Lil Hardin Armstrong and Her Swing Orchestra: 1936 - 1940; The Chronological Classics, 564. Despite common underestimations, Lil Hardin's piano and vocal prowess reaches beyond her association with husband Louis Armstrong, cementing her status as an influential vocalist and bandleader. With tracks like Doin' the Suzy-Q and Knock-Kneed Sal on the Mourner's Bench, this CD offers a high-energy escapade through Lil's command of swing.
Introducing Jazz's Forebear: James Reese Europe and the 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band
Our February spotlight shines on the groundbreaking James Reese Europe and the 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band, featuring Noble Sissle. These historic 1919 recordings blend ragtime, military marches, and burgeoning jazz melodies. This CD not only presents classic tunes like Saint Louis Blues but also highlights Europe's pivotal role in early 20th-century African-American music—earning him comparisons to Martin Luther King Jr. within the sphere of musical activism.
The Exciting Evolution of Cab Calloway
March delves into the early days of a jazz legend with Cab Calloway: Volume 1: 1929-1930; Masters of Jazz, MJCD 105. This compilation reveals the transformation from the Alabamians to the Missourians, and finally to Cab Calloway's own orchestra. Featuring tracks like a breath-taking St. Louis Blues and the mesmerizing Viper's Drag, this collection proves indispensable for enthusiasts of Cab's pioneering rhythms.
Jazz Age Revelry: Collegiate Anthems
April captures the exuberance of college life in the Jazz Age with College Rhythm: Hot Dance Band Classics 1927-1934. Including parodies and dance hits from the likes of Harry Reser and Andy Kirk's Sophomore, this assortment is a delightful homage to the era’s academic and musical fervor, affirming that though the years have passed, the youthful spirit in music prevails.
For the nomadic music aficionado, the exploration of these historical recordings offers a transportive experience, merging the joy of travel with the soothing or invigorating melodies of days past. Long flights or cozy evenings at boutique hotels can be vividly accompanied by the diverse soundscapes selected this month. Whether uncovering the aloha spirit with Sol Ho'opi'i or swinging to Lil Hardin Armstrong's relentless tempo, music becomes both a companion and a portal to our world's rich cultural tapestry.