The
West Jemond Rhythm Kings, which is comprised of seven fine British jazzmen, performs a variety of mostly obscure songs on their CD debut, which was preceded by eight cassettes released on their private WJRK label. Trumpeter Mike Durham, who takes a few harmless vocals, is the most impressive soloist, but is greatly assisted by the versatile Derek Fleck (heard on clarinet, soprano, alto and tenor), the
Kid Ory-inspired trombonist
Bob King, and a four-piece piano-banjo-tuba-drums rhythm section. Among the many lesser-known tunes successfully brought back to life on this set are "Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love,"
Bennie Moten's "Ding Dong Blues," "Bimbo," "Oriental Man" and the title cut. Fun and well played music, uplifted by the band's strong musicianship, obvious love of the idiom and enthusiasm.