Dukes of Dixieland

LIVE at Mahogany Hall

Leisure Jazz 0 4900-91048-2

Frank Trapani, trumpet; Harry Watters, trombone; Mike Waddell, clarinet/sax; Phamous Lambert, piano; Eric Glaser, bass; Duke Barker, drums.

The Dukes are celebrating 40 years in the business with this live recording at Mahogany Hall on Bourbon Street.

This 80's outfit has an entirely different sound to the Dukes of a decade later. They open with a tight, bright version of Tiger Rag; its good to hear a brass bass being played with such aplomb - it might not be as aristocratic as its string brother, but boy, it has meat and cheekiness and in good hands compliments superbly. The players handle a vastly contrasting mix of pieces with some authority. Avalon has an almost mainstream sound to it, whilst Creole Love Call produced some finely balanced ensemble playing and rounded sounds from the front line, as well as good solo work. Next a change of atmosphere into Wolverine Blues, crisp, slick styling and plain Dixie. Harry Watters and his trombone were given some work to do in Slide, Frog, Slide, which he laid into with some panache. A CloserWalkWithThee was a rousing number which led us into Me and My Shadow, the only vocal sung by Phamous Lambert. Then into a barnstorming finish with That's A Plenty. Good solid Dixieland.

by Ferdinand Maylin

Editor: The Dukes of Dixieland will be appearing at the Elkhart Jazz Festival in Elkhart Indiana June 21-23, 2002

Available at Jazz Now Direct CD Store.

Editor: The Dukes of Dixieland will be appearing at the Elkhart Jazz Festival in Elkhart Indiana June 21-23, 2002

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