The Stanford-based
Magnolia Jazz Band took as its role models
Bunk Johnson and
the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The group actually has better musicianship while playing in a similar style. For the
Magnolia Jazz Band & Art Hodes LP and its follow-up, the pianoless sextet is joined by pianist
Art Hodes, who as usual particularly excels on the up-tempo pieces. The solid front line (trumpeter Jim Borkenhagen, clarinetist Bill Carter, and trombonist Jim Klippert) romps on such standards as "Weary Blues," "Someday Sweetheart," and "Shake That Thing." This set is easily recommended to Dixieland collectors, and
Hodes' participation makes it something special. ~ Scott Yanow