Mike Davis (cornet, vocals); Ricky Alexander (alto sax, clarinet, vocals); Josh Holcomb (trombone); Jared Engel (banjo); Andy Schumm (piano, cornet); Jay Rattman (bass sax, vocals); Colin Hancock (drums, cornet, vocals)
Sharp suit and pencil moustache, cornet and vocals, it's as if twenty first century Mike Davis has chosen to live in twentieth century Prohibition America. There is little doubt Davis would have been in his element in 'Jazz Age' New York of a century ago. The New Wonders, led by Davis, champion the music of the period. Archivist, historian, performer, Davis is at the forefront of a generation of (young) musicians immersed in the music of the time. Not for them mere pastiche, they're in it for all the right reasons, this is their art.
BSH was fortunate to hear four of the current septet in concert at the 2022 Milano Happy Jazz Fest in Milan. Billed as the New York Classic Jazz 4, Davis, Ricky Alexander, Andy Schumm and Jay Rattman arrived in Milan from a week-long engagement in Switzerland, an engagement which, in part, inspired the recording of Steppin' Out. Comprising ten tracks, spanning 39 minutes' playing time, top class arrangements and musicianship, this is the New Wonders' latest work of art.
The Gershwins' Do Do Do opens the album. The New Wonders played the tune in Switzerland and the arrangement on this recording utilises the composer's own piano solo (Andy Schumm as Gershwin!), the attention to detail a labour of love. Colin Hancock's informative liner notes guide the listener through the recording, for example, pinpointing Ricky Alexander's alto sax solo on My Fate is in Your Hands (Fats Waller/Andy Razaf): [which] shows shades of Jimmy Dorsey. Similarly, of Davis' new arrangement of My Melancholy Baby, Hancock informs the reader/listener: [it was] influenced by the work of Frankie Trumbauer's orchestra around 1928 or 1929.
My Gal Sal, Cornet Chop Suey and the set closing My Blue Heaven make for great listening and it's thanks again to Colin Hancock (no slouch as a musician!) for his invaluable essay. The non-musician should enjoy the album for what it is, an excellent recording and, not least, an enjoyable listening experience. Highly recommended. Russell
Steppin' Out is available from Turtle Bay Records (www.turtlebayrecords.com)
See also: www.whitleybayjazzfest
Do Do Do; Everybody Loves My Baby; Love Will Find a Way; Half-Seas Over; My Fate is in Your Hands; My Melancholy Baby; My Gal Sal; Cornet Shop Suey; Helen Gone; My Blue Heaven.
1 comment :
All these guys are at the top of their game - the finest musicians. BSH regulars will be interested to know that two of them are booked to play at the Classic Jazz Party this November, right here on Tyneside - Mike Davis and Andy Schumm! Plus, Colin Hancock was with us a couple of years ago, as the winner of our Young Talent Award! See www.whitleybayjazzfest for more details!
Post a Comment