Illinois-based Archeophone Records continues to release historically important reissues from the earliest days of recordings. This one features the music of the overlooked but important bandleader Isham Jones. His most famous compositions were “(You’re) In the Army Now”, “There is No Greater Love” “On the Alamo” and “It Had to Be You” and his orchestra boasted alumni of the likes including Benny Goodman and Woody Herman. The songs from this 2 cd set have Jones’ 1920 Rainbo Orchestra which has the leader playing C-melody and tenor saxophone.
What’s important to remember about music from this period, is that before “swing” became popular, the emphasis was on producing a danceable melody.
One of the things that bemoans many older musicians is that today’s jazz artists don’t know how to play a simple melody with a clean sound. My instructor used to tell me to listen to old Nelson Eddy songs, as he became popular back in the day for his ability to make a song sound like a song. The same goes for Isham Jones’ orchestra. Oh, you’ll recognize a handful of the titles such as “Avalon,” “Look for the Silver Lining” and ”Whip-Poor-Will”, but the biggest thing you’ll notice is how the theme is the thing. Each song has a well conceived introduction before sliding into a danceable fox trot or blues. The horns all are clean, precise, and while not “hot” at this phase in the evolution of popular music, they were attractive their ability to actually serve the song the way it was meant to be played; a lesson well needed nowadays.
As always, the recording quality is excellent for its age, and the liner notes keep the history of Jones in proper perspective. A nice collection of songs to practice along with to see if you can keep it straight.