Personnel: Wilbur DeParis [tb], Sidney DeParis [tp, tuba], Omer Simeon [cl], Eddie Gibbs [bn], Don Kirkpatrick [pn], Freddie Moore [dm]

Songs:  Down In Honky Tonk Town, Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula, Tishomingo Blues, Original Jelly Roll Blues, Original Dixie Jass Band One-step, Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me, Gennina Mia,  Manhattan,  Marine Hymn,  Dippermouth Blues, Just A Closer Walk with Thee, High Society, Under the Double Eagle, Madagascar, Underneath Hawaiian Skies.

West Coast Rag - U. S. A.

As I wrote those words, the postman delivered a package of review CDs from Jazz Crusade, one of which is a 64-minute compilation of fifteen airchecks, nine from the "Dr. Jazz" broadcasts, by De Paris' Rampart Street Ramblers. Though the music still is a bit distant, balance is satisfactory throughout. Further, the RSR benefits from the addition of an uncredited bass player on several tracks from late-50s television shows. If you're only buying one De Paris today, the Jazz Crusade is the clear choice. Nothing is below par, though we do get a taste of the leader's unfortunate predilections, more apparent on his studio sessions, for overly fussy arrangements and for left-footed material (after you've heard "Gennina Mia" you'll know why other Dixielanders don't play it). However, the Ramblers sweep aside all objections, romping away, generating irresistible drive, pulling you into their exuberant jazz. This was one of the rare combos that could swing hard and con-vincingly at racehorse tempos, several rousing examples of which spice the proceedings. Sidney's darting cornet is well-showcased, both open and plungered, along with his flexible tuba work on the mistitled "Hot Lips", white Simeon gets plenty of room for his excellent licorice stick. Five stars.
- Tex Wyndhm

AMG **** Review - U. S. Jazz Guide

Trombonist Wilbur DeParis led one of the most exciting Dixieland bands in the 1950s, a unit that he said specialized in "New New Orleans Jazz." This CD from the Jazz Crusade label features music taken from broadcasts dating from 1951-52 along with the soundtrack of a television show from either 1955 or 1958. The recording quality is decent if not state-of-the-art but the excitement of this unit (which also features cornetist Sidney DeParis and clarinetist Omer Simeon) definitely can be felt on such numbers as "Down in Honky Tonk Town," "Original Dixieland One Step," "Under the Double Eagle" and even "The Marine's Hymn."
- Scott Yanow

Jazz Journal International - British Jazz Magazine

The first set is taken from the Doctor Jazz radio series of 1951-2, and captures Wilbur live at Jimmy Ryan's with his band, then known as the Rampart St Ramblers. Things start badly with an inaccurate and mangled version of the verse to Down In Honky Tonk Town, followed by some unrelaxed up-tempo treatment, extending through Yaaka Hula. The band settles down in Tishomingo Blues with some fine muted work from Sidney. The Original Dixie Jazz Band (Dixieland?) One-Step is well up-tempo again, but features some excellent trombone. Blues My Naughty Sweetie, on the other hand, is taken at a well laid-back pace and Omer Simeon contributes some tasteful soloing on this and Original Jelly Roll Blues, probably well-remembered territory from his Morton days. Gennina Mia is an interesting, unorthodox tune I haven't come across before, while Manhattan-an unexpected choice-is arranged simply and effectively, but becomes a target for the irrepressible De Paris humour with organized quotes from Lullaby of Broadway and Give My Regards To Broadway! The second set, from a later date, features a bass (missing, and missed on the first set) and is slightly better recorded. Closer Walk is a good, straight version at slow tempo, whilst High Society gives Simon the traditional solo space, and provokes some more arranged high jinks with vocal contribution during the trombone solo. Madagascar was one of the tunes Wilbur recorded on his excellent album Wilbur De Paris and His New Orleans Jazz, as was Hot Lips. Something of an uneven album, but this was an interesting, highly talented, one-off outfit, with a fresh, lively and humorous approach towards revivalist style jazz. Not the best of De Paris, but still a very enjoyable listen.
- Hugh Rainey

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