16th October 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of arguably the most famous and most important drummer of the early jazz era, Gene Krupa and as part of this anniversary, Upbeat Jazz is proud to release this second album, this time featuring his playing of traditional jazz.
The first album is URCD330 GENE KRUPA 50th Anniversary Issue - Live and Hot - and continues to sell well. Excellent crits for this album One of my favourite jazz records of the year...another of Upbeat's most valuable and considered contributions to classic jazz discography.
Digby Fairweather, The Jazz Rag
This second album should be equally well received. Compiled and produced by jazz historian and eminently knowledgeable jazz drummer, John Petters who said: America's Ace Drumming man demonstrates what good traditional jazz drumming sounds like. Gene fully absorbed the sounds of his early idols, New Orleans finest percussionists: Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton and Tubby Hall, as well as his fellow Chicagoans George Wettling and Dave Tough. This CD is a must for all devotees of hot jazz. John Petters
Featured bands on this excellent album include Chicago Rhythm Kings, Miff Mole's Little Molers, Louisiana Rhythm King, New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Benny Goodman, Eddie Condon and more.