Pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and occasional singer Ferdinand Joseph ‘Jelly Roll’ Morton was one of the most important and influential personalities in the entire history of jazz. Born in New Orleans of Creole descent in 1890, he was one of the earliest jazz innovators and pioneers, to the extent that he actually said that he invented the genre, although his accomplishments and influence were such that he did not need to make such exaggerated claims. Starting as a ragtime pianist, his 1915 tune “Jelly Roll Blues” was one of the first published jazz compositions. His career output of recordings was so prolific that we have chosen to release them as two 3-CD sets. This 70-track Vol. 1 collection comprises releases during these years on the Paramount, Gennett, Okeh, Autograph, Vocalion, and Victor labels, including solo performances, and recordings with various line-ups as his Orchestra and Jazz Band, The New Orleans Rhythm Kings, His Stomps Kings, Steamboat Four, Kings Of Jazz, Incomparables, The St. Louis Levee Band and His Red Hot Peppers. Members of his ensembles during this era include Tommy Ladnier, Leon Roppolo, Ben Pollack, Natty Dominque, Kid Ory, George Mitchell, Johnny St. Cyr, Barney Bigard, Johnny Dodds, Baby Dodds and Russell Procope. Released at the same time is “A Career Anthology Vol. 2 1929-40” (ACTRCD9155). They both offer a comprehensive overview of his work during these eras, and are a fine showcase for his unique talents.
