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Pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and occasional singer Ferdinand Joseph ‘Jelly Roll’ Morton was one of the most important personalities in the entire history of jazz. Born in New Orleans of Creole descent in 1890, he was one of the earliest jazz innovators and pioneers, to the extent that he actually said that he invented the genre, although his accomplishments and influence were such that he did not need to make such exaggerated claims. Starting as a ragtime pianist, his 1915 tune “Jelly Roll Blues” was one of the first published jazz compositions. His career output of recordings was so prolific that we have chosen to release them as two 3-CD sets. This 72-track Vol. 2 collection comprises releases during these years on the Victor, Bluebird and General labels, including solo performances, and recordings with various line-ups as Jelly Roll Morton & His Red Hot Peppers, The Jelly Roll Morton Trio, Jelly Roll Morton’s New Orleans Jazzmen, Jelly Roll Morton's Seven and The Morton Six/Seven. Members of his ensembles during this era include Henry ‘Red’ Allen, J.C. Higginbotham, Pops Foster, Paul Barbarin, Sonny Greer, Barney Bigard, Zutty Singleton, Ward Pinkett, Wilbur De Paris, Cozy Cole, Bubber Miley and Sidney Bechet. Released at the same time is “A Career Anthology Vol. 1 1923-28” (ACTRCD9155). They both offer a comprehensive overview of his work during these eras, and are a fine showcase for his unique talents.
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