What does it sound like?:
One day, you may find yourself browsing in one of those new-fangled record emporiums. You may stumble across this album in the Jazz section. There is Dee Dee on the cover, resplendent in a white evening gown, draped across a chaise longue, a perfectly posed white dog by her side. Behind is what appears to be her butler but is, in fact, Irvin, sporting a matching bald head. They are clearly in the drawing room of a stately home.
The photograph is a perfect representation of the album; high class musicianship, but staged and conservative. It is meant to be a journey through the history of New Orleans, including covers of old classics and a couple of new ones. The arrangements of the old songs are quite ordinary and the new ones don’t sound ‘new’ at all. All the New Orleans clichés are here, familiar to anyone who has seen a single episode of Tremé, right down to the Dr. John feature. I spent a lot of energy stifling a yawn.
To be fair, everyone is enjoying themselves. Dee Dee allows herself a couple of genuine giggles. Her scat singing is excellent and Irvin’s trumpet is beautifully rich. Otherwise, it’s inoffensive but nothing to get the pulse racing.
So, if you do pick it up in a record emporium, put it back in the rack. This album is not for you. It’s for tourists.
What does it all *mean*?
This year remains a lean one for decent jazz. So far.
Goes well with…
A pipe, slippers and an early night. If my dad was still alive, he might like it. He would be approaching eighty.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
If you are looking for joyful jazz music originating in New Orleans, buy last year’s Viper’s Drag by Henry Butler & Steve Bernstein instead.
Alias says
That is a shame, both are major talents, Dee Dee is an excellent singer and Los Hombres Calientes are the best band to come out of New Orleans in the last 15 years although I don’t think they exist any longer.
Her last few projects have all been good ideas but far from essential listening. Irvin Mayfield’s A Love Letter To New Orleans CD which is a compilation of his work would probably be a better choice if you are looking for an overview of New Orleans music.
https://www.basinstreetrecords.com/shop/a-love-letter-to-new-orleans/
Tiggerlion says
Oh, I found the Hot Men a bit patchy and his playing a bit too close to his mentor, Marsals. However, the later Strange Fruit is great.
My favourite Dee Dee is Red Earth. It’s mostly self composed and her emotional connection to her African roots really shines through.
Tiggerlion says
Marsalis!!!
Junior Wells says
Oh dear just got tix for her concert in Melbourne with this. very same band ?
Tiggerlion says
Don’t despair. My bet is that it will work well live, when they can relax a little and let rip. This studio incarnation is just too polished.
Baron Harkonnen says
Bloody hell I didn`t think I`d get on here there`s that many people viewing this, WOW!!!
Tiggerlion says
Yerrbut, what do you think of the album?
Baron Harkonnen says
Nothing new, competent musicianship, doubt if I`ll want to go back for further listens, but hey who gives a ff, over 2000 views now that really is something!
Junior Wells says
Just saw the concert Dee a good voice when not imitating a trumpet or clowning around Ditto Irving. Too much show Biz.
Great players and man those instruments were shiny.
Never seen Marsalis, saw Miles but he was sick. Mayfield probably best trumpeter I have ever seen … Oh just remembered Hugh Masekela. But it would be a close run thing. Hoped for a respectful showcase but what we got was entertainment Las Vegas style.
Tiggerlion says
I’m relieved. In a way. Very classy musicians but aiming for lowest common denominator commercialism.
Come to think of it, I’ve hardly ever seen a box seat jazz trumpeter live. Loads of saxophonists, though.
Junior Wells says
Yeah ditto
Often they are multi instrumentalists.
Jon Faddis is one of like to see.
Oh forgot Tomasz Stanko he was excellent.