Trumpeter
Kenny Ball began leading his popular British trad band in 1958. After 37 years, it was still going strong, as this recording demonstrates.
Ball's brand of good-time music, Dixieland standards, and joyful vocals is still quite effective. On this well-rounded program, most of
Ball's musicians (including trombonist
John Bennett and clarinetist
Andy Cooper) have individual features, although it is the group numbers that are most memorable. Highlights include "Bourbon Street Parade," an odd piano feature on "Rhapsody in Blue," "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," and
Ball's outing on "Stardust." This CD offers a fine sampling of
Kenny Ball's infectious and good-humored music.