[Dixielandjazz] Independence Hall JB CD

[Dan Augustine]

Folks--
     Can't hold it in any longer, just gotta tell you 'bout the CD i 
got in Sacramento by the Independence Hall Jazz Band called "Louis: 
The Oliver Years" (Stomp Off Records CD 1384, 2002).  I had heard the 
band for the first time there (at the Jubilee), although i had heard 
their leader, Doug Finke (trombone), many times with Bob Schulz's 
Frisco Jazz Band.  They played at the Crest Theatre, and the other 
personnel included Bob Neighbor (trumpet), Kim Cusak (clarinet), Mike 
Walbridge (tuba), and Paul Asaro (piano). The performance was (not 
surprisingly) very high caliber and enjoyable, so i bought this CD 
there, and it's even better.
     The personnel on the CD includes Finke (trombone and slide 
whistle), Asaro (piano), Jon-Erik Kellso and Duke Heitger (trumpets), 
Orange Kellin (clarinet), Pete Reichlin (tuba), Bob Sundstrom 
(banjo), and Mike DeMonte (drums).  They all play wonderfully, and as 
Jim Cullum's note on the cover says, "Modern specialists in classic 
jazz sometimes exceed the standards of the original performances. 
Such is the case with this superb recording by the Independence Hall 
Jazz Band."
     But what i can't stop listening to, over and over, and playing 
along with, are three songs that i guess i have to have heard 
somewhere before, but i can't remember when. The songs are "Too Late" 
(Joe Oliver), "Wa Wa Wa" (Mort Schaeffer, 1926), and "Tears" (Louis 
Armstrong and Lil Hardin). I just love the melody and chord changes 
in these three songs, and the way the IHJB plays them (great 
two-trumpet blends).  Where have these tunes been all my life?  Now i 
want to get recordings of other bands playing them (well, i've Oliver 
doing it, but i mean by modern bands).  Know of any?
     However, the rest of the songs are not chopped liver: London Cafe 
Blues, Willie the Weeper, Prince of Wails, I'm Going Away Just to 
Wear You Off My Mind, Chattanooga Stomp, Chimes Blues, Snake Rag, 
Static Strut, Riverside Blues, My Heart, Weather Bird Rag, Camp 
Meeting Blues, I Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody ('Bout the Dream I Had Last 
Night), Buddy's Habit, and Alligator Hop.
     Did you ever get a recording that you just can't help playing 
over and over?  Sure you did, or you wouldn't be here.  That's what 
this one is like, for me at least.  Highly recommended.  Grab it, is 
my advice.

     Dan
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**  Dan Augustine     Austin, Texas     ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu  **
**    "I don't jog.  If I die I want to be sick."  --  Abe Lemons     **
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