In the years between leaving Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars and his death (1952- 1964), the great trombonist and singer Jack Teagarden led a Dixieland-oriented sextet. Presented here in their entireties are two of his last albums, Mis’ry and the Blues (Verve V6-8416) and Think Well of Me (Verve V6-8465). While the former LP features his regular group in a selection of standards, the latter (on which a string section is added) concentrates on compositions by Willard Robison. Although Teagarden went through a rough time in the early 1960s that would lead to his premature death in 1964 (at the age of 58), these recordings give ample proof that he was a true master until the end, both as a trombonist and as a singer.

JACK TEAGARDEN, trombone & vocals

On all tracks, plus:

1-10: Mis’ry and the Blues Don Goldie (tp), Henry Cuesta (cl), Don Ewell (p), Stan Puls (b), Barrett Deems (d). Chicago, June 18-22, 1961.

11-21: Think Well of Me The Russ Case/Bob Brookmeyer Orchestra, featuring Don Goldie (tp). Arrangements by Claus Ogerman, Russ Case & Bob Brookmeyer.

New Jersey, January 17-19, 1962.

1. Don't Tell a Man About His Woman
2. Basin Street Blues
3. Froggie Moore Blues
4. I Don't Want To Miss Mississippi
5. It's All In Your Mind
6. Mis'ry and the Blues
7. Dixieland One-Step
8. Love Lies
9. Afternoon In August
10. Peaceful Valley
11. Where Are You?
12. Cottage For Sale
13. Guess I'll Go Back Home This Summer
14. I'm a Fool About My Mama
15. Don't Smoke In Bed
16. In a Little Waterfront Cafi
17. Think Well of Me
18. Old Folks
19. Country Boy Blues
20. Tain't So Honey, Tain't So
21. Round My Old Deserted Farm