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Norrie Cox & His New Orleans Stompers: Dance Hall Days
Cox has collected a group of players well versed in this music. They are refugees from other traditional bands like the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, the Hall Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band and the famous Magnolia Jazz Band. That special syncopation and interplay between instruments which characterizes this music is apparent on most of the tracks especially "South of the Border", the traditional "Any Rags" and "Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)". "Jerusalem Blues" calls to mind those treks to the cemetery sending off a friend in style. Norrie Cox's Tio family New Orleans clarinet is prominent on this cut as is Charlie DeVore's wah wahing cornet. With the ensemble playing in unison, the "Isle of Capri" could be played on the march back from the burial services when partying in honor of the deceased is foremost in the minds of those in the funeral parade. "Mama Inez" reminds us that there could be a Latin flavor to this music, by way of Mexico. Appropriately, the session ends with a rousing version of the "Kid Thomas Boogie Woogie". Appropriate since Kid Thomas was one of the leaders of the 1960's traditional jazz revival. While there is disagreement about his ability on the trumpet, there is none with regard to his longevity. He still was playing at the age of 91!
If you're a "Dixieland jazz" fan (I hate that phrase) or a jazz fan who needs to have more invigorating music in the collection, this album is for you.
Track Listing
South of the Border; Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You); Strolling in the Moonlight; All I Do Is Dream of You; Jerusalem Blues; Any Rags; Mama Inez; Coquette; I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear old Dad); Isle of Capri; When I Leave the World Behind; Kid Thomas Boogie Woogie.
Personnel
Norrie Cox - Clarinet; Charlie DeVore - Cornet; Jim Klippert - Trombone; Mike Carrell - Banjo/Guitar; Bill Evans - Bass; Donald "Doggie" Berg - Drums
Album information
Title: Dance Hall Days | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Delmark Records
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