(Review by Lance.)
The music here is of such an eclectic mix that I wonder if there is an audience out there capable of being empathetic to the variety of styles and modes/moods on this CD/DVD. It's trad, skiffle, gospel, funk, hip-hop, bossa and probably a few other genres too!
Indiana - more or less, straight Dixie. Freight Train - updated skiffle. Caravan - Duke, Tizol and co turning in their graves. You Are My Sunshine - a little cloudy. Nobody But My Baby - Hershey, best bar none. In a Mellow Tone - Duke's stopped turning, maybe even loves this madly. Griffith's vocal brings Jon Hendricks to mind.
Jock-A-Mo - a calypso sort of thing with with Hershey "Iko Iko-ing".
Dirty40, a Nick Russo original, Chicago blues meets? Sweet Georgia Brown - Hershey w. Russo on banjo is a must for those folk who love vocals accompanied by banjo and traps.
Manha de Carnival - Griff and Nick (back on guitar) give an interesting, and enjoyable, take on this one, Jam For Lenny features Josh Holcombe on trombone. Could this be the guy who played with King Bee and the Hot Sardines? Jason? Josh? could be - answers on a fifty dollar bill.
Ain't Misbehavin' - Betina in fine voice.
I've Got my Mojo Workin' - Betina and Miles - the mojos workin'. When the Red Red Robin gets back to the Dixieland with trumpet, clarinet, banjo, bass and drums goosing Betina (musically).
This Little Light of Mine didn't shine for me. More Jock-A-Mo then Nick Russo and Griffith in 5:07 mins of Free Improv which may not grab them 'as liked Indiana!
Michael Steinman of Jazz Lives says, "their range of repertoire is delightful broad, brave, and the results are compelling".
Michael, if you are at Whitley Bay this year, we need to talk!
Lance.
Nick Russo (gtr/bjo etc.); Betina Hershey (vcl/gtr); Miles Griffith (vcl); David Pleasant (dms/vcl/hca); Essiet Essiet/ Mamdou Ba (bs); Gordon Au (tpt); Josh Holcombe (tmb); Dennis Lichtman (clt); Mike Russo (gtr). (Collective personnel).
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