[Dixielandjazz] Kenny & friends

[Jim Kashishian]

As is my norm, when no gigs are happening, I have a daily honk at home.
Particular nice that I own my own recording studio, so I can do this at any
time of the day or night, without anyone being bothered by me!  
 
What is not particularly nice is that I find practicing very boring.  To
perk things up, I like to put on a recording and have a blow with others.
Today was an old CD I haven't listened to in ages.  On Kaz Records (CD11) is
a live recording of Kenny Ball's band with guests, recorded in 1989 at a
concert in the Barbican in London.  Kenny's friends are the likes of George
Chisholm, Acker Bilk, Monty Sunshine & Jack Parnell.
 
This is an ideal situation, not just an All Star band, but a well practiced
band (Kenny's) with friends joining in.  So, you don't have the usual
non-arranged jam session that can often come out of this type of concert.  
 
Kenny Ball is an amazing, strong, swinging trumpeter.  Some like to put him
down, as he made it big, which translates to some as "being commercial".
Nevertheless, this guy can play.  I reported a live concert I went to of his
band in Dublin a few years back on DJML.  This CD brings back just how
strong a player he is.
 
I Can't Get Started is just one of the tunes which show off Kenny's style so
well.  Chisholm is a delight to listen to, also.
 
Jim (I'm a fan) Kash