Review

Johnny Dunn, whose staccato phrasing, use of the wah-wah mute, and fondness of bugle calls were part of a distinctive if dated style in the early '20s, is heard on his finest recordings on this Austrian RST CD, the second of two reissues. Edith Wilson has vocals on the first two numbers, and there are eight pieces from Johnny Dunn's Original Jazz Hounds (including early renditions of "Sugar Blues" and "Jazzin' Babies Blues"), a pair of atmospheric duets with pianist Leroy Tibbs, and four titles by the Plantation Orchestra in 1926. Best are four selections with Jelly Roll Morton in 1928 and Dunn's final two recordings (the classic "What's the Use of Being Alone?" and "Original Bugle Blues"), which feature both James P. Johnson and Fats Waller romping on piano. Recommended for vintage jazz collectors.