Fast Eddie Erickson has become a favorite over the years at the annual Triangle Jazz Party in Kingsport, TN, due to his vaudeville gags and appreciation for novelty songs. Although his recordings as a leader are infrequent, this 1992 release is one of his best efforts, concentrating on a lot of early standards that have fallen out of favor. Joined by cornetist
Jackie Coon, the late
Rick Fay on reeds, and the extraordinary yet underrated pianist
Johnny Varro, Erickson's banjo playing and friendly vocal highlight "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll," which also has brief solos by
Coon and tuba player Lee Westendorfer. A masterful duet with
Coon of "Lou-easy-an-i-a also has a vocal by the leader (along with a second uncredited singer). He switches to guitar for the long-overlooked "Easy Street" and does a nice job with Willard Robison's long-forgotten "Pigeon-Toed Joad." This off-the-beaten-track release is worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden