This CD is surprisingly good. Trumpeter Avery "Kid" Howard, who sounded fine in his 1943 recordings with clarinetist George Lewis, in the '50s was frequently drunk and quite erratic in his playing, lowering the quality of many Lewis dates (except on rare occasions). Howard's own sessions as a leader from 1961-1965 were sometimes marred by the musicians being out-of-tune, but this 1963 date finds the players (members at one time or another of the Lewis band) in top form. Howard is joined by trombonist Jim Robinson, Lewis, banjoist George Guesnon, bassist Alcide Pavageau, and drummer Cie Frazier, and the result is ensemble-oriented New Orleans jazz. Two alternate takes augment the original program, which includes spirited versions of "Bogalusa Strut," "Old Rugged Cross," "Sing On," and "Shake It and Break It." Recommended to fans of New Orleans revival jazz. ~ Scott Yanow