Bennie Moten - Moten Stomp

Release date 2006 One of the most important and influential of the so-called territory bands in the early '20s, pianist Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra played mostly in the region around their namesake city, specializing in lively ragtime-based numbers that edged into nascent swing. In time the ensemble morphed into the first of Count Basie's bands, but not before recording regularly under Moten's name. This fun set features sides recorded in 1926 and 1927 for Victor Records, and includes the lilting and slurred horn harmonies of "Harmony Blues," the infectious, skipping "Missouri Wobble," "Sugar," and the energetic title tune, "Moten Stomp." A nice introduction to a vital band. AllMusic Review by Steve Leggett