Vintage Okeh Dance Bands 1923-1931 for Jazz Lovers

This is definitely an album for those familiar with vintage music from the early 1920s.It held more than a few pleasant surprises! There are a number of obscure recordings which I had never heard before, along with some tracks which had already been released on LP through FOLKWAYS and BIOGRAPH labels.I prefer the second disc to the first, as it moves towards the end of the 1920s and there are more electric recordings. My all-time faves from the 2nd CD are "Vo-do-do-de-o Blues" played by the Goofus Five. Chelsea Quealey on trumpet does a phenomenal imitation of Bix, and Adrian Rollini plays absolutely superlative solos on the Bass Sax and the Goofus (a novelty instrument prevalent in the 20s). The arrangement is phenomenal as well. 2nd place goes to "I gotta get myself somebody to love" played by Sam Lanin and his Orchestra with Harry Reser on banjo and the always phenomenal Arthur Schutt on piano. There are several lovely tracks by Vincent Lopez' orchestra as well.Overall, this is an astounding album for those familiar with recordings from this period. I would say it's also a good introduction to someone who'd like to hear the very best that dance bands had to offer. While this is not "hot jazz" by any means (with a few exceptions, such as the Goofus Five), the arrangements are all wonderful, and the playing, at worst, is good. At best, it is extraordinary.I did not regret buying this album. I listen to it often.