Original Indiana Five - 1923-1925 (Music CD)

All of the Original Indiana Five recordings of the 1920s are being reissued by Jazz Oracle, except for their recordings for the Harmony label, which have already been made available by the Frog record company. Influenced by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, the Original Indiana Five were not quite in their league. However, the OIF recorded often and had plenty of spirit, and the group's musicians were excellent for the time period. This first volume covers the ensemble's first two years when its personnel stabilized and it developed its own sound. In addition to titles issued by the Original Indiana Five, songs that were released by the Indiana Syncopators, the Original Indiana Syncopators, singer Benny Davis, and Johnny Sylvester's Orchestra (overlapping groups) are also included. This formerly rare music should delight early jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow