There are two unusual aspects to this
trad jazz
set: the instrumentation and the repertoire. There are not that many clarinet-trombone-guitar-drums quartets in
New Orleans jazz
but this combination works. Guitarist
Ron Simpson
not only fulfills the role of a rhythm guitar but also that of a bass, showing that his instrument really can be a rhythm section by itself. With leader-drummer
Barry Martyn
keeping a quiet but steady rhythm, clarinetist
Chris Burke
often functions as the lead voice although trombonist
Wendell Eugene
is also quite capable of playing the melody when required. As for the repertoire, few
Dixieland
dates include such songs as
"Tico Tico,"
"Pennsylvania Polka,"
"September Song,"
"Blue Hawaii"
and
"Something Stupid."
But it has always been true that nearly any song can fit into this freewheeling setting and once the CD begins, listeners will not hear any tunes that sound out of place. The end result is an enjoyable set of hot
jazz
, one that is a consistent and joyful success. ~ Scott Yanow