Many gospel songs and spirituals adapt quite well to New Orleans-flavored jazz sessions. Although the members of
the Grand Dominion Jazz Band are not overly religious, they have played some Sunday morning jazz services and were a natural pick to record the
Spiritual Album set for the Stomp Off label. A few of the 15 high-quality hymns on this disc have vocals by the musicians, but most of those are brief and the emphasis throughout is on joyous ensembles and meaningful solos. The front line of the band (trumpeter Bob Jackson, clarinetist Gerry Green, and trombonist Jim Armstrong) is excellent as is the fine rhythm section led by pianist Bob Pelland. Being religious is certainly not a prerequisite to enjoying the delightful and swinging versions of "Yes, Lord I'm Crippled," "Higher Ground," and "Walking With the King." Recommended to fans of trad jazz. ~ Scott Yanow