Marty Grosz recordings are always fun.
Grosz, a top humorist (though his monologues have yet to be fully included on recordings), is a cheerful vocalist whose style is influenced by
Fats Waller, and a superior acoustic chordal guitarist. His combos are superb examples of small group swing with an emphasis on songs from the 1920s and '30s. For this date recorded in Germany,
Grosz leads his Hot Puppies, a quintet with fellow American Randy Reinhart on trumpet and three excellent German players.
Frank Roberscheuten shows his versatility by playing clarinet (his best ax), tenor, and alto while bassist Nico Gastreich and drummer Moritz Gastreich are swinging and subtle in support. The repertoire is inspired and some of the frameworks (including a version of "Heartaches" that hints strongly at
Ted Weems' hit recording) are inventive. Reinhart and
Grosz are the solo stars and this set is easily recommended to fans of vintage swing and classic jazz. ~ Scott Yanow