Blues and jazz music have two things in common; a heritage that sees both springing from the same source (both in social and emotional terms), and an astonishingly rich variety within each idiom. And the further one delves into the music of yesteryear, the more one discovers hitherto unknown connections between ‘em all.
Washington-based J Street Jumpers understand the connection between swing, jazz, and blues better than most, and musically they place themselves firmly in a time when all blended together into the popular music of the day. Unlike most neo-swing outfits who can’t seem to avoid a certain element of either camp or cheese, though, they approach things for the most part as though time hasn’t passed at all, as though hot, swingin’, jazz was a musician’s highest calling, and either dreamy, swooning romance or frenetic abandon on the dance floor were music’s only purpose.
In short, they’re big on authenticity. And for the most part they achieve it, although the guitar is occasionally a bit more prominent and a little more modern sounding than strict adherence to tradition would warrant. “Good For Stompin” is an all-cover collection ranging from a pair of Buddy Johnson numbers to some Basie; the tunes come from an era when jazz had developed the sophistication necessary for big band arrangements, but was still popular enough that appealing to the general populace meant tight, swinging grooves with incendiary solos.
There are a couple of instrumentals here that showcase some serious chops, including the title tune that gets things off to a rollicking start. Elsewhere vocalist Carmen Velarde handles most of the tunes, singing in a straightforward manner that’s clear and precise but could use just a bit more playful sass. Pianist Arthur Gerstein tackles two, and while his isn’t a particularly remarkable voice he pulls both off with style to spare. Everything’s powered along by a four-piece horn section, and the musicianship throughout is exemplary.
If it’s the modern version of swing you’re used to, with everything played full-blast and flat out, you may find the J Street Jumpers a little sleepy. But if the pleasures here are subtler, they’re all the richer for it, and stand up much better to repeated enjoyment.
An excellent outing, highly recommended!
Severn Records
PO Box 1450, Millersville, MD 21108
Web: www.severnrecords.com
Phone: 877-923-2275
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by John Taylor, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.