The album opens with the autobiographical "I Was Always A Papa," the only original tune here, which offers a good taste of what is to come. A jaunty number with appropriately jazzy guitar chording, the tune includes harp, trumpet and guitar solos. This use of individual solos is a feature of the album, and when any of the band members steps up to the mic, they always come up with the goods. The music was mostly recorded live in the studio, with only minimal overdubbing, so you are left with the impression that these guys really know their stuff.

After the lively opening, the band take things down low and slow for Leroy Carr's "Wee Midnight Hour", and remain in a similar tempo for "I Ain't Doin' Bad Doin' Nothin'." They then regain their swagger for what is listed as Wasboard Sam's "Back Door Man" (but sounds very much to these ears like Little Walter's "Tell Me Mama") before a fine rendition of Lonnie Johnson's "Crowing Rooster Blues." If you have never heard the band before, it is at this point, that the listener really starts to appreciate exactly where the band is coming from. Johnson was no stranger to jazz, and was as at home playing it as he was blues. The same can be said of Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club.

The band move on to tackle songs from the Gershwin's ("Lady Be Good"), Big Bill Broonzy ("Lowland Blues (Southbound Train)") and even throw in a bit of scat on "Flat Floot Floogie." They also throw in second tunes by Leroy Carr and Washboard Sam before coming to the closing instrumental version of "Autumn Leaves." This rounds things off with a wistful air, leaving the listener in nicely relaxed frame of mind.

"Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club of East Lake" provides a fine recreation of the pre-war sounds of the likes of Lonnie Johnson, Eddie Laing, Django Reinhardt, Leroy Carr and so on. It shows that blues and jazz, in the right hands, were comfortable bedfellows. Kolstad and the Hot Club offer further evidence that in the right hands they still can be. This is a tight outfit, with a sound that has obviously been honed over years of jamming together. If you like your blues to swing then "Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club of East Lake" is one that will definitely help to brighten your day.

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