Imagine hearing the type of all-star swing band that recorded with pianist
Teddy Wilson and singer
Billie Holiday during the second half of the '30s, except with
Marty Grosz's
Fats Waller-inspired vocals in Lady Day's place. The music on
Thanks is very much in that style with concise (half chorus or at the most a chorus) solos by two or three horns on most selections, fine piano work from either
Keith Ingham or
Mark Shane, and creative frameworks provided by rhythm guitarist
Grosz. In addition to reviving a variety of vintage tunes, most of which are now fairly obscure,
Grosz also contributes four likable originals that are very much in the style. Cornetist
Peter Ecklund is a constant asset to a group dubbed "The Collectors' Items Cats" and the occasional spots by trombonist
Dan Barrett, clarinetist
Bobby Gordon and
Scott Robinson on various reeds add to the color of this joyous set. Recommended.