Review

The second of four CDs in a very valuable series from the Austrian RST label has 12 selections from the Dixieland Jug Blowers (a very spirited sextet with violinist Clifford Hayes, the colorful jug blowing of Earl McDonald, and on six numbers, clarinetist Johnny Dodds as a guest), eight from Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band, and four by Whistler's Jug Band (their leader, Buford Threlked, doubles on guitar and nose whistle). The monologue on the former group's "House Rent Rag" is quite memorable and humorous. Of the four CDs this is the most essential one, for it finds these historic groups in their prime.