Jazz
Duke Heitger (tp,voc)
Evan Christopher (cl, alto sx)
John Gill (bjo,gtr,voc)
Tom Saunders (tba,str bs.)
This is just so good. Where do we start to describe it? Let's say there is a heep of hot playing and a big sound that belies the size of the group. Four can be BIG when all four fully appreciate the beauty of a strong melody line enhanced by rich counterpoint. Leader Duke Heitger, one of the top trumpet players in traditional jazz, here maintains a firm Armstrong-like lead throughout, while another new star Evan Christopher supplies exciting countermelodies -- and the steady rhythm of banjoist John Gill and the tuba or string bass of Tom Saunders gives the front line a HUGH beat and harmonic backing. This adds up to a jazz event of a very high order, and what terrific bunch of tunes!
Duke Heitger
Active Decades: '90s and '00s
Born: May 10, 1968 in Toledo, OH
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Dixieland, Swing, New Orleans Jazz, Retro Swing
Cornet/trumpet player Duke Heitger achieved his greatest popular exposure through his work on the Squirrel Nut Zippers' 1997 breakthrough album Hot. In addition to appearances on several other records, Heitger eventually struck out on his own to lead a Dixielandswing session, backed by a roster of fellow New Orleans scenesters; the result, Rhythm Is Our Business, was released in early 2000.
---Steve Huey, All Music Guide |
