The Grand Dominion Jazz Band is a part-time band filled with musicians who often play in other groups and earn their livings in other fields. No matter, their brand of New Orleans jazz is superior and exciting. The musicians work together well in the ensembles, the solos are natural outgrowths of the tunes, and the band has a very appealing group sound. The repertoire heard on
Half & Half mostly consists of high-quality obscurities with only "Old Folks at Home" (which is given a lively treatment), "Georgia Grind," and "Joe Avery's Piece" being considered standards. Trumpeter Bob Jackson has a fine vocal on "Ain't Nobody Got the Blues Like Me" during an otherwise all-instrumental set. Collectors of New Orleans, trad, and pre-swing jazz will certainly enjoy this spirited program. ~ Scott Yanow