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Eddie Condon was a jazz guitarist, banjoist and bandleader who was a leading figure in what was known as the "Chicago school" of early Dixieland jazz, and who carved a career which lasted through to the 1960s, as his influence and versatility allowed him to successfully negotiate the musical vagaries of the swing, big band and bebop eras until he was able to ride the wave of the Dixeland revival during the 1950s. He was not an especially influential or virtuoso musician, but was a brilliant musical catalyst, highly respected by his peers, and able to pull together sessions and line-ups, in which musicians were eager to participate. Although not a noted soloist, his banjo and guitar playing was a key element of the rhythm sections in his bands, and this great value 46-track 2-CD collection brings together examples of his work both with other leaders in his earlier career and bands which he led, especially during the latter era. Given the three decade period which it covers, it encompasses a fascinating range of styles and repertoire, and, needless to say, it also features in the various line-ups within which he plays a host of major jazz names which includes Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden, Henry Red Allen, Muggsy Spanier, Coleman Hawkins, Jimmy Dorsey, Bunny Berigan, Cozy Cole, Gene Krupa, Mezz Mezzrow and many others. It also includes extracts from rarely-heard radio and TV broadcasts, which have only been patchily available. It's an entertaining overview of the career of an important jazz figure who has perhaps not received the recognition he deserves, which will enable those discovering him for the first time to collect a one-stop introduction to his work.

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