This collection places jazz at the centre of its story, tracing the music’s development from the raw brilliance of its pioneers to the refined sophistication of its mid-century masters. At its forefront stand defining figures such as Jelly Roll Morton, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Gerry Mulligan, and George Shearing – musicians whose recordings shaped the vocabulary of jazz and carried it from New Orleans-inspired stomp through swing, cool jazz, and the intimate quintet sound. Surrounding these cornerstones are British dance-band interpretations, American revivalist sides, and a scattering of early popular tunes that reveal how deeply jazz rhythms and harmonies permeated mainstream listening. Taken as a whole, the collection offers a compact but vividly detailed map of jazz’s influence across five decades, showing its ongoing ability to reinvent itself while inspiring musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. Full list of records: 1.Jelly-Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers / Jelly-Roll Morton’s Quartet – Georgia Swing–Stomp / Mournful Serenade – HMV B 9221 – UK – 1937. A highly desirable early jazz issue from one of the music’s true originators. This 1937 HMV pressing captures Morton’s blend of driving ensemble power and atmospheric blues phrasing, making it the most historically significant disc in the collection. 2. Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra – Rhythm, Rhythm / China Stomp – HMV B 8597 – UK – 1936. An energetic early recording from the pioneering vibraphonist. Hampton’s rhythmic intensity and crisp band interplay make this 1936 HMV issue a strong jazz collectible. 3. Artie Shaw & His New Orchestra – Don’t Fall Asleep / Gloomy Sunday – HMV B 9116 – UK – 1940. A polished swing-era release led by one of the great clarinet virtuosos. Issued in 1940, it pairs Shaw’s refined orchestral sound with the enduring mystique of “Gloomy Sunday.” 4. The Gerry Mulligan Quartet – Bernie’s Tune / Freeway – Vogue V 2158 – UK – 1953. A landmark cool-jazz recording featuring the Mulligan–Chet Baker pianoless quartet. This 1953 Vogue pressing helped define the sound of West Coast jazz and remains highly regarded for its clarity and musical significance. 5. George Shearing – Tenderly / How’s Trix? – MGM 353 – UK – 1950. A refined early example of Shearing’s international rise. Issued circa 1950, it highlights his elegant block-chord style and the polished interplay of his classic quintet. 6. Winifred Atwell – Make It a Party (Side 1 & 2) – Decca F 10796 – UK – 1955. A lively two-part medley from Britain’s best-selling pianist of the decade. This 1955 Decca issue captures Atwell’s exuberant showmanship and unmistakable honky-tonk flair. 7. Ted Heath & His Music – Madagascar / Jungle Drums – Decca F 10856 – UK – 1956. A dynamic exotica-inspired release from Britain’s leading big-band orchestra. Issued in 1956, Heath’s crisp arrangements create an atmospheric, rhythmically engaging recording. 8. Harry Roy & His Orchestra – Canadian Capers / Tiger Rag – Parlophone R 1505 – UK – 1933. A spirited 1933 performance from Roy’s celebrated May Fair Hotel orchestra. Bright ensemble playing and lively interpretations give this hot-dance pairing strong period appeal. 9. Harry Roy & His Orchestra – Porcupine Rag / Piano Madness – Parlophone F 388 – UK – 1930. A playful ragtime-inspired record showcasing Roy’s pianistic flair. Issued in 1930, it reflects the energetic novelty style of his early dance-band career. 10. Harry Roy & His Orchestra – My Kid’s a Crooner / His Majesty the Baby – Parlophone F 109 – UK – 1929. A charming 1929 novelty release marked by Roy’s blend of humour and polished dance-band craftsmanship. 11. Hal Kemp & His Orchestra – Siberian Sleigh Ride / In an 18th Century Drawing Room – HMV BD 5534 – UK – 1939. A distinctive 1939 UK issue pairing Raymond Scott’s inventive compositions with Kemp’s elegant orchestral approach. The result is a sophisticated yet whimsical dance-band recording. 12. Pee Wee Hunt & His Orchestra – Bessie Couldn’t Help It / The Charleston – Capitol CL 13188 – UK – 1954. A cheerful 1954 Dixieland-revival disc led by one of the era’s most recognisable trombonists. Hunt’s lively interpretations bring a fresh mid-century spirit to classic jazz staples. 13. The Duchess – The Wang Wang Blues / Dynamite Rag – London L.1157 – UK – 1951. A stylish early-1950s reworking of jazz and ragtime classics. Crisp brass textures and confident mid-century arrangements make this an appealing post-war release. 14. Connie Boswell – I Cried for You / I Can’t Believe That It’s You – Brunswick 1298 – UK – 1936. A warm and expressive 1936 vocal recording from one of the finest popular singers of the pre-war era. Boswell’s rich tone and emotional control give the disc enduring charm. 15. Jay Whidden & His Band – Sweet Ukulele Maid / Down by the Old Front Gate – Imperial 1981 – UK – 1926. A polished 1926 British dance-band release from the well-known London hotel orchestra. Its smooth playing and light melodic charm evoke the fashionable ballroom culture of the mid-1920s. 16. The Ipana Troubadours – Sunny / Sunny—Who? – Columbia 4100 – UK – 1924. A classic studio dance-band issue from the famous sponsored ensemble. Issued in the mid-1920s, these upbeat selections reflect the polished commercial sound of the early electrical-recording transition. 17. Messrs. Hayes & Croft – In Blinky Winky Chinatown / Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula – Coliseum 977 – UK – 1917. One of the earliest discs in the collection, this 1917 budget-label release captures two popular period songs from the late WWI era. A fascinating example of early British mass-market shellac production.