Pianist
Jeff Barnhart and trombonist Jim Fryer, the co-leaders of this trad jazz group, are both from the U.S., while the other musicians are from England. The septet performs hot jazz with plenty of spirit, solid musicianship, and enthusiasm on this recording from the 2002 Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival. The repertoire mixes together familiar standards and 1920s tunes with a couple obscurities ("Let the Light from the Lighthouse" and
Sidney Bechet's "Cool Black Shine"). Each of the horn players displays a lively personality, as does
Barnhart, while the five vocals are split between four of the musicians. Among the highlights are heated versions of "My Gal Sal," "Ory's Creole Trombone," and "Panama Rag," with
Barnhart sounding in fine form on
Fats Waller's "Handful of Keys." This date will be enjoyed by fans of Dixieland and classic jazz. ~ Scott Yanow