Clarinetist Big Eye Louis Nelson Delisle (he often did not use the Delisle name) was a legendary if little-recorded New Orleans clarinetist. He appeared on an erratic session with Kid Rena in 1940 and with the Jazz Pioneers in 1944 but was actually at his best on a few dates in 1949. That fact is surprising considering that he passed away on August 20, 1949, at the age of 69. The music on this American Music CD is comprised entirely of previously unreleased alternate takes that in most cases are at the same level as the originally issued material. The first nine titles (one of which is a warm-up for the rhythm section) are particularly rewarding, featuring the clarinetist during July 18-19 (only a month before his death) leading a sextet also featuring trumpeter
Charles Love and trombonist
Louis Nelson (who was not related). Big Eye shows why he was rated so high as both an ensemble player and as a soloist. The remaining seven numbers are from a pair of dates headed by trumpeter
Wooden Joe Nicholas but largely run by Big Eye. Although not flawless, these historic recordings are well worth acquiring by collectors of vintage New Orleans jazz, and are particularly valuable due to the clarinet playing.
