Jazz
Recorded live at the Theatre By The Lake, Keswick, UK. "The music is excellent, the musicians are excellent, and the production is excellent. This CD will, if heard by enough people, be one of those outstanding moments in recorded jazz" JUST JAZZ
Pianist Jeff Barnhart and trombonist Jim Fryer, the co-leaders of this trad jazz group, are both from the U.S., while the other musicians are from England. The septet performs hot jazz with plenty of spirit, solid musicianship, and enthusiasm on this recording from the 2002 Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival. The repertoire mixes together familiar standards and 1920s tunes with a couple obscurities ("Let the Light from the Lighthouse" and Sidney Bechet's "Cool Black Shine"). Each of the horn players displays a lively personality, as does Barnhart, while the five vocals are split between four of the musicians. Among the highlights are heated versions of "My Gal Sal," "Ory's Creole Trombone," and "Panama Rag," with Barnhart sounding in fine form on Fats Waller's "Handful of Keys." This date will be enjoyed by fans of dixieland and classic jazz. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
