McHargue's Memphis Five

Rosy McHargue was already 45 when he had his debut record session as a leader in 1947. This LP contains the eight selections played that day plus five alternate takes. McHargue, sticking to clarinet, joins with cornetist Nick Cochrane (a talented but long-forgotten player), valve trombonist Brad Gowans, bass saxophonist Joe Rushton, pianist Marvin Ash, and drummer Graham Stevenson to play a variety of Dixieland standards and a few obscurities (including "They Called It Dixieland" and "I Wonder What's Become of Joe"). McHargue's occasional arrangements give variety to the set, and this album is easily recommended to fans of trad jazz. ~ Scott Yanow