Eddie Condon: The Classic Sessions 1927-1949 – Volume 1: Makin’ Friends (JSP, 2001) [recorded between 1927 and 1930]

White Chicagoans (mostly) developed an antsier, jumpier, less ensemble-driven style of jazz, and banjoist Eddie Condon was its nucleus. His earliest recordings not only exemplify the best of Chicago style (“There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” with Condon on vocal, is a de facto theme song) but also feature nearly all of its essential players, from saxophonist Bud Freeman to cornetist Jimmy McPartland to clarinetist Frank Teschmacher. There’s even a teenage Gene Krupa on drums. MICHAEL J. WEST