Various Artists - Steppin' on the Gas: Rags to Jazz 1913–1927

Steppin' on the Gas: Rags to Jazz 1913–1927 is a fascinating anthology documenting one of the most important transitions in American music—the movement from ragtime and syncopated dance music into early jazz. Issued by New World Records as part of its Recorded Anthology of American Music, the collection brings together historic recordings from 1913 through 1927 and was assembled as a serious exploration of jazz's formative years.

The lineup is exceptional for students and collectors of early jazz, featuring James Reese Europe's Society Orchestra, Lt. Jim Europe's 369th Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band, Freddie Keppard's Jazz Cardinals, Kid Ory's Sunshine Orchestra, Sam Morgan's Jazz Band, Piron's New Orleans Orchestra, the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Johnny Dunn's Original Jazz Hounds, Clarence Williams' Blue Five and others.

Selections include "Castle House Rag," "Memphis Blues," "Clarinet Marmalade," "Ory's Creole Trombone," "Bogulousa Strut," "Steppin' on the Gas," "West Indies Blues," "She's Cryin' for Me," "Bugle Blues," "Dunn's Cornet Blues" and "Old Fashioned Love." The gatefold presentation is especially substantial, with extensive historical liner notes by noted jazz scholar Lawrence Gushee, photographs and detailed recording information. Gushee's notes for this release are themselves cited in jazz scholarship on the history of early jazz.