J.B. Scott's Swingin' All Stars: Just Swingin'!

Scott, whose day gig is director of the University of North Florida's excellent Jazz Ensemble One, also sings, as do wife Lisa Kelly and banjoist Ken Calhoun. Completing the front line are clarinetist Jim Snyder and trombonist Dave Steinmeyer, now in civvies after many years as a star with the U.S. Air Force's premier Jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note.

The group is in the forefront on such perennials as "Milenburg Joys," "Waitin' for the Robert E. Lee," "That's a Plenty," Panama (Rag)" and "Farewell Blues." Kelly's clear, sultry voice is heard on "St. Louis Blues," "I Wished on the Moon" and a couple of charming songs she co-wrote with Calhoun, "Dolce Amor" and "Chances." There are vocals as well on "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," "Sweet Lorraine," "Your Feet's Too Big" and "Baby Done Left Me" (the last written by Scott) but I don't know who's singing, Scott or Calhoun—not that it makes much difference.

This is bright, happy music, adeptly performed by eight talented musicians who put their collective shoulders to the wheel to make it shine. The song list should help advise potential listeners as to whether this is an album they'd wish to seek out.

Comments