A rough rule of thumb guide to a Classic Jazz Band's importance is the length of time reissues of the original recordings have been available. In the case of the NEW ORLEANS RHYTHM KINGS this is 64 years! The N.O.R.K's importance lies in the fact that they were the first white band to play (on record at least) out and out jazz largely divorced from the influence of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and taking as its role model the black New Orleans musicians active in Chicago. Central to this was cornettist PAUL MARES, who was profoundly influenced by King Oliver. The 48 sides included on this tremendous 2CD set cover the period 1922 to 1925 and all tracks have been audio restored by John R.T. Davies.