Songs Of The Night: Dance Recordings By Joseph C. Smith Orchestra, 1916-1925 (2CD)

Featuring 47 tracks recorded between 1916 and 1925, these two CDs and 32-page booklet tell the story of Smith's career and the innovations he pioneered. Researcher Ryan Barna has uncovered new information on Smith's life and shares valuable insights into the bandleader's singular contributions during the rapidly-changing world of early-century dance music. Smith was the first bandleader to introduce vocal refrains on dance records, and you can hear old industry pros Harry Macdonough on songs such as "Smiles" and "Peggy" and Billy Murray on "Ching-a-Ling's Jazz Bazaar." Moreover, Smith provided a launching pad for many top musicians, who perform their solo specialties here, including trombonist Harry Raderman; xylophonists Teddy Brown and George Hamilton Green; pianists Hugo Frey, Harry Akst and William Bergé; and saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft. Smith himself provides sometimes beautiful ("Missouri Waltz"), sometimes scorching violin work ("Sally") throughout the proceedings.

The set is produced by the team of Richard Martin and Meagan Hennessey, fresh off their Grammy-nominated work on Happy, the 1920 sides by Isham Jones' Rainbo Orchestra. As on that CD, the restorations and remastering of Songs of the Night are top notch, revealing depth and clarity in the ancient grooves that most listeners have never heard.