This release from
Rick Fay finds him mostly playing tenor (with one appearance on clarinet and a few on soprano), often in the style of
Bud Freeman. The octet, which includes either
Jon-Erik Kellso or
Peter Ecklund on cornet, trombonist
Dan Barrett, clarinetist
Bobby Gordon, pianist
Keith Ingham, guitarist
Marty Grosz (who sings on "Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now"), bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Hal Smith, would be difficult to improve upon in this style. The music is similar to that of Bud Freeman and His Orchestra of 1939, and various 1940s
Eddie Condon bands. The individual features (particularly
Barrett on a slower than usual "Margie," and
Gordon on "Mandy, Make Up Your Mind") are excellent, but it is the full band tracks that are particularly stirring. Most memorable are "Love Is Just Around The Corner," "Riverboat Shuffle," and "Eccentric Rag." Highly recommended to trad and swing jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow