Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra - 1923–1929

An important collection documenting the formative years of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra, one of the pivotal ensembles in the development of Kansas City jazz and the band that would ultimately provide the foundation for Count Basie's orchestra.

Spanning recordings from 1923 through 1929, this Historical Records collection captures the band as its sound evolved from early New Orleans-influenced jazz toward the riff-driven, blues-based swing that would become synonymous with Kansas City. Featured musicians include Bennie Moten, Lamar Wright, Thamon Hayes, Harlan Leonard, Willie Hall, Vernon Page, Ed Lewis and other important early jazz players.

Selections include “18th St. Strut,” “Things Seem So Blue to Me,” “South St. Blues,” “Elephant's Wobble,” “Crawdad Blues,” “Let's Get It,” “Kater St. Rag,” “Sister Honky Tonk,” “Sugar,” “Dear Heart,” “Evil Mama Blues” and “Moten's Blues.”

A fascinating piece of recorded jazz history and an excellent collection for listeners interested in the roots of swing, Kansas City jazz and the musical lineage that led directly to Count Basie.