The nucleus for this French trad jazz band performed as Charquet & Company in the 1970s. Leader Jean-Pierre Morel not only plays hot cornet solos, but is an inventive arranger who writes charts that sound very much like the 1920s. Among the 18 selections that he chose to revive for the septet are "The Sophomore," "Bogalusa Strut," "Ozark Mountain Blues," "She's Cryin' for Me," "Messin' Around," "Plantation Joys," and the best-known number,
Jelly Roll Morton's "Grandpa's Spells." The high-quality drumless ensemble also features clarinetist Alain Marquet, Michel Bescont on tenor and clarinet, and either trombonist Garbriel Conesa or altoist Daniel Huck. Easily recommended to fans of classic 1920s jazz. ~ Scott Yanow