The Backsters - Live & Jumpin!The Backsters

Live & Jumpin!

Zebra Records ZD44012-2

Joel C. Peskin, tenor/baritone saxes; John Marx, vocals/guitar; Domenic Genova, acoustic/electric basses; Mike Kowalski, drums.

Jumpin' it is! This CD is a good blend of jump R&B with flashes of Jazz and some good ole downhome blues in a live recording session.

The opener is a cover of the Otis Rush tune "Three Times A Fool" with some mean tenor wailing by Peskin, he really gets it jumping. Peskin is a consummate musician and a soulful, hard swinger. The versions of "Hold It Right There" and "Later Than You Think" will put you in a dancing mood. John Marx lends a blue tinge on vocals and guitar solo to start out the tune "Mean Old World" with Peskin joining in with a soulful saxophone solo. "Reconsider Baby," the Lowell Fulson tune, has been covered by everyone in the blues and on this version, Peskin gets greasy right at the end which is way too short.

The repertoire is all covers of standards and the choice of material is excellent. The tightness of the group is evident. But as far as I am concerned, it's all about Peskinís playing, he is really a dynamite player!

by Dorothy Hill

Editor: This CD is available in Jazz Now Direct mail order catalog.


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