The
Back Bay Ramblers is a high-quality classic jazz group based in New England. As is true of the very best Stomp Off releases, the selections on
Red Hot Band mostly emphasize rare obscurities from the '20s. The octet is pretty strong with cornetist
Jon-Erik Kellso showing both versatility and fire. Billy Novick and John Clark play six reeds between them, and the four-piece rhythm section includes Vince Giordano on tuba, string bass and bass sax; Karen Cameron contributes five fine period vocals along the way. Among the highlights are
Duke Ellington's "Red Hot Band," "Hello Lola," "Just a Bird's Eye View of My Old Kentucky Home," "When Polly Walks Through the Hollyhocks,"
Fats Waller's "Won't You Get Off It, Please," "Too Late," and "Sadness Will Be Gladness." This is an excellent acquisition for fans of '20s-style revival jazz. ~ Scott Yanow