Artist: George Lewis
Album: Jazz Funeral in New Orleans
Genre: Dixieland, New Orleans Jazz
Label: Tradition
Released: 1953/1997
Quality: FLAC (tracks+.cue)
Tracklist:
01. Ice Cream (Moll-Johnson-King) - 5:52
02. Down by the Riverside (Trad.) - 2:44
03. Burgundy Street Blues (Lewis) - 4:17
04. Just a Closer Walk with Thee (Trad.) - 5:11
05. Panama (Tyers) - 4:05
06. Doctor Jazz (Oliver-Melrose) - 3:01
07. When the Saints Go Marching In (Trad.) - 5:21
08. Lou-Easy-An-I-A (Darensbourg) - 4:59
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Personnel:
Avery "Kid" Howard - trumpet, vocals (#4)
Jim Robinson - trombone
George Lewis - clarinet
Alton Purnell - piano, vocals (#8)
Laurence Marrero - banjo
Alcide "Slow Drag" Pavageau - bass
Joe Watkins - drums, vocals (#1,2,4,6,7)
Monette Moore - vocals (#3)
This CD brings back a classic, one of the greatest sessions ever by clarinetist George Lewis. The title of the CD is actually quite inaccurate, for "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" is the only funeral song included on the date, and there is nothing somber about any of the joyful music. Trumpeter/vocalist Kid Howard, who was often very erratic during the era (particularly on radio broadcasts), sounds in top form; the consistent trombonist Jim Robinson is an asset in the ensembles as usual, the rhythm section really drives the group, and clarinetist Lewis often seems to be quite exuberant. Their version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" is definitive, and other highlights include "Ice Cream" and "Panama." This set of prime New Orleans jazz music (last available as a DCC audiophile CD) belongs in every serious jazz collection.
Review by Scott Yanow