1924-1925

Pianist Oliver Naylor's Seven Aces were a fine jazz-influenced dance band that recorded during 1924-25. The emphasis was generally on ensembles (cornetist Edward "Pinky" Gerbrecht rarely got away from the melody even during his short spots) and, although there were occasional solos, the group did not include any jazz geniuses. Trombonist Charles Hartman (who considered Miff Mole his main influence, although he sometimes sounds a little like Kid Ory) is the most interesting individual voice. All of the band's recordings (including two from Naylor's ten-piece orchestra, which has Bob Zurke on second piano, and a pair of related numbers by "Pinkie's Birmingham Five") are on this interesting CD, which finds the group playing in the mainstream of the era. 1920s collectors will want this reissue. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide