08 Apr
Ready for Freddy: With Brian Carrick by Freddy Lonzo
Monday, 08 April 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Trombonist, Freddy Lonzo, appears as leader of his own recording unit after many years with a dozen or more New Orleans bands. Best known for his work with The Louisiana…
31 Mar
Tuba Fats Chosen Few Jazzmen by Anthony 'Tuba Fats' Lacen
Sunday, 31 March 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
I’ve had the opportunity of reviewing almost thirty CDs from Big Bill Bissonnette’s Jazz Crusade label over the past few years. About a year ago, I raved about the G…
25 Mar
Jazz From The Soul Of New Orleans by Dr. Michael White
Monday, 25 March 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing four CDs by Dr. Michael White. Being firmly rooted in the jazz of the Crescent City, the clarinetist is a …
22 Mar
Satch Blows The Blues by Louis Armstrong
Friday, 22 March 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Does the world really need another compilation of Louis Armstrong’s music -- while he’s a giant in the history of music, but surely not an under-represented-by-recordings o…
15 Mar
Go To New Orleans by New Orleans Delight Featuring Derek Winters
Friday, 15 March 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This CD begins to impress fans of New Orleans jazz the moment they glance at the cover art. A vintage Currier & Ives litho of a couple of Mississippi steamers graces the je…
31 Jan
Forgotten Dreams by Dick Hyman and John Sheridan
Thursday, 31 January 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This CD is a novel idea. Two top-notch pianists team-up to perform long forgotten novelty tunes of the 1920’s and 1930’s. There is little need to introduce Dick Hyman and h…
25 Jan
Jon Cleary And The Absolute Monster Gentleman by Jon Cleary And The Absolute Monster Gentleman
Friday, 25 January 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This Jon Cleary fella is a shameless purveyor of New Orleans funk, a Captain of the cruise ship S.S. Get Down, a man in whose past lurks the sobriquet "Jellyroll" or "88 Fi…
03 Jan
It's Time You Learnt by Geoff Cole and His Red Hot Five
Thursday, 03 January 2002
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Trombonist Geoff Cole will be remembered for his years with the great Ken Colyer band. Cole’s own band has since become a favorite in Britain and the trombonist has his sha…
01 Aug
Parade of Classics by New Orleans Spice
Wednesday, 01 August 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
The New Orleans Spice is fantastic! Just in time for the holidays and then into Mardi Gras!!! This CD is incredible. I cannot stop listing to it and it makes me feel great.…
08 Jul
Swedish Hymns by Gota River Jazzmen
Sunday, 08 July 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
I first heard the Göta River Jazzmen on the recent Sorgenfri Kirke releases by Music Mecca records. Those recordings were impressive but this session is a showstopper. At f…
05 Jul
My Little Girl by New Orleans Delight Featuring Kristin Lomholt
Thursday, 05 July 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here’s another CD by that fine band from Copenhagen. If you read my previous review, you’ll already know that New Orleans Delight does not have a regular trumpet pla…
04 Jun
Down Home Music by Michael White and Gregg Stafford
Monday, 04 June 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here’s more from the group that appeared on "Praying & Swaying" issued last year. The front end features two of the premier native New Orleans revivalists on the scene. Dr.…
03 Jun
The Jazz KENnection by Kenny Davern & Ken Peplowski
Sunday, 03 June 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here’s a must have for lovers of great traditional jazz by two of the most prominent reedmen on the scene. The "Jazz KENnection" is, of course, Kenny Davern a…
08 May
A Satchel Full Of Satch by Louis Armstrong
Tuesday, 08 May 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
When Big Bill Bissonnette assembles a compilation CD, you get your money’s worth. Here is one hour and thirteen minutes of scarce Louis Armstrong material covering 3 decade…
05 May
At The Cross - Praying and Swaying - Volume 1 by Gregg Stafford and Dr. Michael White
Saturday, 05 May 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
New Orleans fans, lend me your ears. Here is one of the finest modern recordings ever recorded in the Crescent City. "At The Cross" is a wonderful session of spirituals and…
02 May
With You in Mind by David Friesen Gary Versace
Wednesday, 02 May 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
With You in Mind, the wonderful mellow new CD featuring bassist, David Friesen and pianist, Gary Versace is a pure delight! This collaboration is thoughtfully composed, the…
29 Apr
The Thomas Band At Moose Hall 1968 by Kid Thomas Valentine
Sunday, 29 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here's another milestone recording for Jazz Crusade. This album features several of the New Orleans revival legends caught live at a 1968 concert for the Connecticut Tradit…
28 Apr
Jazz Live From New York by Various Artists
Saturday, 28 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
I have a problem with compilation recordings, regardless of genre. They tend to be hastily put together solely for the purpose of marketing an artist's- or label's- catalog…
27 Apr
Another Evening At Jimmy Ryans by Wilbur De Paris
Friday, 27 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
In the aftermath of the popular Ken Burns Jazz series on PBS, websites such as ours have been receiving letters indicating a new interest in vintage jazz, especially that o…
23 Apr
My Night To Dream by Myra Taylor
Monday, 23 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Kansas native, Myra Taylor recently released an exceptional CD entitled, "Myra Taylor, My Night To Dream." Additionally, Myra re-recorded some of her original recording fro…
22 Apr
One On One by Russ Freeman / Shelly Manne
Sunday, 22 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
WHY did Russ Freeman need a drummer? Such was my reaction to the hard-driving opener, "Getting Sentimental Over You." Like Dave McKenna, Freeman possesses a barreling left …
20 Apr
Music for the Still of Night by Ruby Braff
Friday, 20 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
If you have never had the opportunity to hear Ruby Braff, the most accurate description of this fabulous cornet player is a quote from Bobby Short- " If Fred Astaire played…
02 Apr
DC Cabdriver by Bernard Sweetney
Monday, 02 April 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Usually, I do not like releases that feature just one person doing all the instrumental tracks. "DC Cabdriver" by multi-instrumentalist Bernard Sweetney shows the reasons w…
22 Mar
Live by Francois Bourassa Trio & Andre Leroux
Thursday, 22 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This Canadian trio plus one has been known as a Canadian institution, just like Hockey Night in Canada for many years. Their fifth release is their first live recording and…
11 Mar
Global Harmonica Summit/Hot Summer Jazz Sampler by Various Artists
Sunday, 11 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
As the 20th century was fast becoming history, a very special jazz event occurred on June 24, 2000. Minneapolis, Minnesota hosted the annual Hot Summer Jazz Festival, which…
05 Mar
Live on the QE2 by Clark Terry Qunitet
Monday, 05 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
What can we say about a man that was born in St. Louis, made his first trumpet out of a garden hose when he was a child, has played with such notable orchestras as Count Ba…
05 Mar
One On One by Russ Freeman / Shelly Manne
Monday, 05 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
With liner notes written by Russ Freeman a one time member of Shelly Manne and His Men, Russ talks about when he first met Shelly Manne back in the fifties, how they played…
03 Mar
A Pair Of Kings by Ralph Sutton & Johnny Varro
Saturday, 03 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This new release by Arbors Jazz is one of the finest stride piano sessions I've heard in recent years. The two "stride giants" are presented in duet and solo forms accompan…
03 Mar
1533 St. Philip Street by Kermit Ruffins
Saturday, 03 March 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Produced by Tracey Freemen, 1533 St. Philip Street showcases Kermit's love for jazz and especially New Orleans Jazz."The most important thing is how much I like the musi…
23 Feb
Anytime by Leon Redbone
Friday, 23 February 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Somehow, since his first appearances on Saturday Night Live in the early 1970's, Leon Redbone has come to personify the music played by vaudeville artists and gramophones. …
22 Feb
Kenny Davern: A Night With Eddie Condon by Kenny Davern
Thursday, 22 February 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Kenny Davern is the last of the "Condonites" still playing today. As far as I know, Bernie Privin and Jack Lesberg are now in their mid-eighties. The Condon band was legend…
19 Feb
Hello Louis! / Plays Tony Bennetts Greatest Hits by Bobby Hackett
Monday, 19 February 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Bobby Hackett, trumpet/cornet: Louis Armstrong was his inspiration, Miles Davis said he was among his favorite trumpet players, Jackie Gleason was an admirer who featured h…
27 Jan
At The Cross - Praying and Swaying - Volume 1 by Gregg Stafford and Dr. Michael White
Saturday, 27 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
New Orleans fans, lend me your ears. Here is one of the finest modern recordings ever recorded in the Crescent City. "At The Cross" is a wonderful session of spirituals and…
21 Jan
One More Evening At Jimmy Ryans by Wilbur DeParis
Sunday, 21 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This release is the sequel to Jazz Crusade’s Another Evening At Jimmy Ryan’s issued earlier this year. The same musicians are featured and all the nice things we sai…
19 Jan
All Alone With The Rhythm by Jacques Gauthe
Friday, 19 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Jacques Gauthe is well known to fans of New Orleans jazz. The clarinetist was born in France and was strongly influenced by the late Sidney Bechet who lived many years in P…
15 Jan
Moments Like This by Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz
Monday, 15 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This new release from Mart Rodger and his Manchester Jazz is most welcome. Mart’s CDs are never a disappointment and the band is rather different from many UK trad groups i…
05 Jan
Live by Francois Bourassa Trio
Friday, 05 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
This Canadian trio plus one has been known as a Canadian institution, just like Hockey Night in Canada for many years. Their fifth release is their first live recording and…
02 Jan
Sorgenfri Kirke – New Orleans Jazz – Volumes 1 & 2 by Various Artists
Tuesday, 02 January 2001
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Although the cover suggests that this series covers hymns and spirituals, it really covers both the sacred and the secular forms of jazz. It does both very, very well.
21 Nov
New Orleans Friends and Flavours by Henri Smith
Tuesday, 21 November 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Long-time Jazz Advocate Takes Center StageHenri Smith is a stand-up guy. He’s been on the New Orleans scene for years and years, but only started singing profe…
21 Oct
The Other Side Of Town by Gota River Jazzmen
Saturday, 21 October 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
The Göta River Jazzmen sent along a copy of their 4th CD titled The Other Side Of Town. We recently had the opportunity of reviewing their marvelous 5th issue, Sw…
06 Oct
That Salty Dog by Pat Hawes
Friday, 06 October 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here's a fine new offering from England featuring the pianist, Pat Hawes. Some of you will recognize Pat from his appearance on Geoff Cole's "Tribute to Fats Waller" on the…
22 Sep
Jubilee by Daryl Sherman and Dave McKenna
Friday, 22 September 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Here's another fine release from Arbors, a label that, in my opinion, can do nothing wrong. This session is a marriage of jazz instrumentalists and a highly respected cabar…
02 Sep
The Cape Codfather by Ruby Braff
Saturday, 02 September 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Ruby Braff’s style and delivery are unmistakable. Being a record collector for 50 years, I was once asked to provide music for a benefit fashion show. I agreed under the co…
25 Aug
Clarinet Blue by Bobby Gordon and Dave McKenna
Friday, 25 August 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
It's always nice to receive a new CD by players who are still active after decades of playing and especially when the musicians don't dilute their dedication to traditional…
03 Aug
Being a Bear - Jazz For The Whole Family by Dan Barrett and his Jazz Bears
Thursday, 03 August 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
May I say I was a bit shocked when I received a "children’s record" for review. Not too exciting, is it? On the contrary! This CD is a blast. This is a kid’s record that…
30 Jul
Everywhere You Go by Brian Carrick & His Algiers Stompers
Sunday, 30 July 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
In the past Brian Carrick had been known to me as a fine British clarinetist who played in the George Lewis style. It was a bit of a surprise when this CD arrived featuring…
24 Jul
Time On My Hands by Eddie Higgins
Monday, 24 July 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Florida pianist has been recording since 1957 and took on his first solo album with some degree of apprehension and an equal measure of enthusiasm. The result is very satis…
22 Jul
Daybreak by Chris Hopkins
Saturday, 22 July 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
Chris Hopkins is surely a fine pianist. Oddly enough, for the purposes of this recording he may be too fine. Hopkins' clear, bell-like sound and precision of attack would p…
21 Jul
Rare Cuts - Well Done by Various New Orleans Bands
Friday, 21 July 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
The latest issue from Jazz Crusade features some fine vintage New Orleans bands performing traditional music of the birthplace of jazz. This CD contains 19 tracks by a tota…
22 Jun
Afinidad by David Binney / Edward Simon
Thursday, 22 June 2000
Published in
Traditional / New Orleans - CD Reviews
The Jazz is traditional and at times a bit abstract. It's David Binney and Edward Simon and their release, Afinidad. Edward Simon is from Venezuela and for David Binney, he…