Bix Restored Volume 4: 1928-1930

Most of this is Whiteman, with a few treats like Hoagy Carmichael thrown in. (The Bubber Miley appearance on 'Rockin' Chair' is mind blowing.) Personally I think I understood after listening to Volume 4 what Bix got out of being with Whiteman. It's a 34-piece orchestra that sometimes recorded very complex material. There's concertos here and I think those kind of things challenged Beiderbecke. It seems like he was chafing against the usual hot Dixieland solo he was asked to perform again and again. There's ample examples of that, and some are incredible, but there's more. You look at the liner notes and see some small groups that include the likes of Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Gene Krupa. And of course there are a few appearances of Bing Crosby and the Rhythm Boys. I found this collection to be very satisfying and well restored. And some of it is just plain fun. We'll never be able to hear the Whiteman Orchestra with Bix live, so this is as close as we're going to get. If you've acquired Volume 1, which I have and recommend, and you've been wondering whether to shell out the bucks for Volume 4, yes, yes you should.

Terrific selection of music, expertly mastered, great price, very happy recipient! These CDs have some old and newer selections that I had never heard. You will not be disappointed!

I could tell you all about this, about the superb sound restoration, about the detailed liner notes, and the overall quality of the performances......but chances are, if you're looking at this, you know all about Bix and the name John R. T. Davies means something to you. So buy it already!

Perfectly compiled re-issue of one of Bix Beiderbecke's most wonderful recordings in excellent technical (sound!) quality. Recommended for all Beidebecke fans who love the music of this legendary musician and need to complete their collection.

One of the best of all the volumes.

As a Bix fan from childhood, I have eagerly sought out any information available about my boy. One of the most frustrating things about my interest has been the lack of accessible recordings, particularly the obscure Whiteman stuff included in this volume (vol. 4). The Bix Restored series puts high quality transfers of everything Bix ever recorded into the ears of anyone who is interested--you have to love John R.T. Davies. I'm really happy that I'm finally able to listen to all those tunes I've only read about, and that such care was taken in presenting them.