Recorded both live and in the studio, trumpeter
Kevin Clark leads several sharp conglomerations through more than a dozen tunes, most of which are well known standards.
Clark is not particularly original, as you hear
Louis Armstrong and others in his sound. On the other hand, he has fine technique and phrasing, and emanates joy when he blows. The tight arrangements may be a bit slick for some tastes, and the amount of creative improvisation by the group members is minimal. Yet, there is an infectious enthusiasm throughout, making this light fare an upbeat treat. It succeeds for what it is.
Clark eschews any attempt to lead a repertory band. He adds some danceable beats to older tunes, and the band seems to enjoy itself. Matt Perrine is a blast on sousaphone, and he plays well as a member of the rhythm section and as a soloist. The Halloween Night Mix of "Bourbon Street Parade" is a blast, with its genuine Bourbon Street sounds. Closer to
Al Hirt than
Bix Beiderbecke, Kevin Clarke knows how to entertain. ~ Steven Loewy