The Commodore Story
The Commodore label was a crucial jazz institution, documenting American jazz from the 1930s-50s with particular attention to African American artists often overlooked by larger labels. This 1997 two-CD compilation gathers essential recordings: the political intensity of Strange Fruit, the joyful swing of classic Dixieland sides, and vocal classics that shaped jazz vocal tradition. The performances carry genuine historical weight without sounding antiquated. These are foundational records, the kind that influenced everyone who came after. For jazz historians and anyone wanting to understand how jazz actually developed, this is required listening—not as museum piece, but as living music that still resonates.
Item Details+
| Genre | Jazz |
| Style | Vocal Dixieland Swing |
| Notes | Sealed. |
| Media | Mint (M) |
| Sleeve | Mint (M) |
| Label | Commodore |
| Year | 1997 |
| Country | Europe |
| Format | 2xCD |
Tracklist+
1-1. Love Is Just Around The Corner 3:03
1-2. Strange Fruit 3:10
1-3. A Good Man Is Hard To Find (Part 1) 4:25
1-4. (You're Some) Pretty Doll 2:49
1-5. (Back Home In) Indiana 5:13
1-6. At A Georgia Camp Meeting 3:13
1-7. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans 2:57
1-8. Dedication 2:55
1-9. Sugar 4:36
1-10. Billie's Blues 3:07
1-11. My Ideal 3:07
1-12. Memories Of You 3:37
1-13. Night And Day 2:53
1-14. Body And Soul 3:51
1-15. Smack 2:38
1-16. The World Is Always Waiting For The Sunrise 2:29
1-17. Mamie's Blues 2:44
1-18. Franklin Street Blues 3:26
1-19. Willie The Weeper 2:56
1-20. Lazy Daddy 2:26
2-1. That's A Plenty 4:16
2-2. New Orleans 3:20
2-3. Memphis Blues 4:10
2-4. The Sheik Of Araby 2:42
2-5. You Need Coachin' 3:12
2-6. Diane 3:02
2-7. Tin Roof Blues 2:56
2-8. Peg O' My Heart 4:35
2-9. Keeping Out Of Mischief Now 2:57
2-10. The Man I Love 3:17
2-11. The Blue Room 3:02
2-12. Sunny Side Of The Street 4:00
2-13. A Selection From The Gutter 3:01
2-14. Summertime 3:11
2-15. Ec-Stacy 4:46
2-16. Begin The Beguine 5:10
2-17. Jammin' The Boogie 4:04
2-18. Lazy River 3:04
2-19. Finger Buster 3:02
2-20. Squeeze Me 2:38
Data provided by Discogs.