Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Cover looks good, a few creases at corners; light scuffing and discoloration spots mostly along top and right-side edge on front. Back is generally discolored with darker spots; left-side corners have creases. Inner-sleeve is original (Audio Fidelity Sound logo). Spine is easy-to-read with mild wear. Minor shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and a few divots. Symbol written on one side of label. (Not a cut-out.)
With the third of what would be a dozen LPs for Audio Fidelity, the Dukes of Dixieland began recording sets of music revolving around particular themes. For this date, the Dukes perform a dozen songs that could be played as marches, among them Lassus Trombone, Bourbon Street Parade, When Johnny Comes Marching Home and Eyes of Texas. Despite the potential for corniness in some of the songs, the Dukes manage to carry off the set by uplifting the tunes and dixiefying everything. Trumpeter/leader Frank Assunto teams up with trombonist Fred Assunto, Jac Assunto on trombone and banjo, clarinetist Harold Cooper, pianist Stanley Mendelson and a rhythm section. The ensembles are uncrowded yet exciting, and the soloists are consistently creative within the idiom. Worth searching for.