Andrew Oliver (piano); David Hornblow (clarinet); Dave Kelbie (guitar); Tom Wheatley (bass).
(Review by Lance).
A little gem showcasing early jazz whilst drawing it to the attention of present-day listeners. Four mature players, yet still too young to have been accorded venerable status although, in a blindfold test, I think they would have been.
The influences are the New Orleans of Evan Christopher, who wrote the album notes, and early New York jazz. Jelly Roll and Bechet are well represented in the repertoire alongside Handy, Boyd Senter and, among others, pianist Oliver who composed Otis Stomp inspired by a small town in his native Oregon.
Oliver, now resident in London, plays two-fisted Jelly Roll piano worthy of any Storyville professor.
Clarinetist Hornblow (you couldn't make it up!) does what his surname suggests in the manner that he did with Chris Barber and other trad jazz luminaries. Albert Nicholas, Omer Simeon, Barney Bigard, Jimmy Noone, Johnny Dodds are all part of his lineage.
Tom Wheatley was born with jazz in his genes. Being the son of guitarist Martin Wheatley it's little surprise he easily slots into the genre.
Dave Kelbie not only provided the rhythmic comping that compensates for the lack of a drummer and, it has to be said, a drummer would be superfluous here, but also assisted with the mixing, the package design and the artwork. And so he should - it's his label!
Original Jelly Roll Blues; Alabamy Bound; Aunt Hagar's Children's Blues; Black Stick Blues; The Pearls; T'ain't Clean; Otis Stomp; Si Tu Vois Ma Mère; The Camel Walk; The Crave; I Believe in Miracles; Ole Miss; Turtle Twist; What a Dream.
For those who like their early jazz with present day recording technology and without the chug of the b-a-n-j-o then this is for you.
Lance
Now available on lejazzetal RECORDS LJCD16
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