George Chisholm - Early Days [1935-1944] (1997)

George Chisholm was one of Great Britain's finest trombonists of the 1935-1950 period. This definitive CD features him on sessions with clarinetist Danny Polo in 1938, two songs with pianist Gerry Moore's Chicago Brethren in 1937, a pair of titles with Lew Stone's Stonecrackers in 1941, and on his first three dates as a leader (from 1938 and 1944). The music falls between Dixieland and swing, with alternate takes helping to make each of the sessions quite complete. In addition to Polo, Chisholm's bandmates include the underrated trumpeter Tommy McQuater, Benny Winestone on clarinet and tenor, and clarinetist Andy McDevitt. The earliest selection on this CD is a real rarity, a private acetate recording of "Pardon Me, Pretty Baby" cut on the very day in 1935 that Chisholm first arrived in London. The trio consists of Chisholm, Winestone on tenor, and a 21-year old pianist named Leonard Feather! Other highlights include such songs as "Jazz Me Blues," "Honeysuckle Rose," "No Smoking," "Rosetta," and "Mood for Trumpet." Highly recommended to prebop collectors.