It was, I think, back in the 1980s when I heard Pete Allen at the Corner House in Newcastle. In fact I think I actually heard him twice - once, earlier, as a guest with the Saratoga Jazzmen (1970s) and once with the Pete Allen Jazz Band and it is this latter outfit that is being celebrated, 45 years later, on this album.
If memory serves me right (it rarely does) the band, whilst retaining its early New Orleans feel, is now a much more swinging, mainstream slanted, band - after almost half a century I'd have expected nothing less!
Hodgkins' lead brings to mind such greats as Clayton, Berry and Edison (without the clichés). Allen, as well as blowing fine Bechet-like vibrato sax and clarinet also sings and plays banjo on, among others, At the Darktown Strutter's Ball, but no one's perfect!
Roger Marks who, like Hodgkins, was one of Allen's early sidemen plays trombone ideally suited to idiom. Not content with some boogie piano à la Meade Lux on The Anniversary Boogie, Clemens also plays some tastefully swinging piano on the other tracks.
The final track, April Showers, didn't quite work for me. There were some interesting moments over a Latin rhythm but, although it built up over its 7:52 minutes with a vocal, presumably by the leader (the notes are a bit confusing), such an enjoyable album deserved a more dynamic finish.
Nevertheless, I liked it and if their tour itinerary includes Newcastle then I'll be first in the queue. Lance
Just a Little While to Stay Here; The Jamfs Are Coming; Then I'll be Happy; Beale Street Mama; Sally; Everybody Loves my Baby; Mean to me; At the Darktown Strutter's Ball; Do You Mind?; Charlie's Dream; Hindustan; Good For Nothing; The Anniversary Boogie; Thinking of You; April Showers,
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