When it comes to jazz revivalism, there are efforts that regurgitate the past, and those that recapture its spirit.
Jon-Erik Kellso, joined by a small handful of friends, is one of the rare latter cases on
Blue Roof Blues: A Love Letter to New Orleans. Perhaps it's
Kellso's lifetime commitment to Dixieland jazz, or perhaps it's the chemistry between him and clarinetist
Evan Christopher, guitar/banjoist Matt Munisteri, bassist Danton Boller, and drummer Marion Felder. Whatever the source, this small ensemble breathes life into spunky originals like
Kellso's "Just Like That" and William H. Tyers' classic "Panama." On the latter cut, the band sustains the happy, free-rolling mood for nine minutes. Technically speaking, this music sounds like Dixieland but might better be called neo-Dixieland, thanks to the extensive soloing by
Kellso,
Christopher, and Munisteri. The two opening upbeat numbers are balanced by the bluesy title cut, an 11-minute lament to New Orleans. It's important to remember that
Blue Roof Blues is a love letter, and as such, recalls the good with the sad while reminding listeners of the town's rich musical heritage. And in case one might think (despite the soloing)
Kellso's brand of jazz old-fashioned, there's a particularly interesting take on
Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya," reimagined as postmodern Dixieland with a totally bizarre banjo solo by Munisteri.
Kellso and friends have put together a moving album, filled with buoyant music, a beautiful love letter to the mother of all jazz towns. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.