Described as fresh, delightful interpretations of trad jazz gems, this posed a few questions for me such as, how fresh is fresh?
Plus, bearing in mind the term 'trad' didn't become part of the jazz parlance until the late '50s/early '60s, whereas these gems - and gems they are - were all originally from the 1920s and '30s, where it most likely would have been described as 'hot dance music' as played by, say, the California Ramblers, Red Nichols or Jean Goldkette.
As regards 'fresh' well it would be if Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks hadn't got in a few blocks ahead of him whilst working the same (sunny) side of the street.
All that aside, it is a brilliant take by a young trumpet player who, early in his career, enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music only to find it didn't live up to his expectations.
Davis is quoted as saying that he felt the music he was being taught swung between two opposite poles: it was either too complex with too many rules or too free without any rules at all. Some might argue that that is true of music schools the world over.
Getting back to the album, the music romps along merrily capturing the mood of those pre-war years. Depression? What depression? Maybe our government could learn something from this. Encourage culture and the arts.
Davis has listened to Bix, Nichols, Andy Secrest and the rest of the Gang/Pennies doing it with respect without incurring charges of plagiarism. His vocals are a cross between megaphonic and microphonic. Local 'boy' Jim McBriarty also does this rather well. In fact a session with Jim and Mike would be something. I wonder, did they ever jam when Mike Davis played the Classic Jazz Party a few years back?
All of the band are superb both solowise and in the ensembles. Closing my eyes I could have sworn it was Adrian Rollini on bass sax. Even the banjo didn't jar (much). Listening again, I got to thinking that Giordano must be looking over his shoulder and quickening his pace.
This isn't 'trad jazz' it's Jazz (capital J intentional). Lance
The album is released by Turtle Bay Records tomorrow (Sept. 22)
Flamin' Mamie; Reaching for Someone; I'm More Than Satisfied; Poor Papa; I'd Rather Cry Over You; Persian Rug; I Need Lovin'; Clorinda; Smile, Darn Ya, Smile; Jungle Crawl; I'm Walking Between the Raindrops; She's Funny That Way; The Baltimore
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BSH readers might like to know that the supremely talented Mike Davis is appearing again at this year's Classic Jazz Party!
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