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Preservation Hall Jazz Band: That's It!
ByOpening with the Samba tinged tune "That's It," the band utilizes the powerful dual sousaphones of Ben Jaffe and Ronell Johnson, the driving toms of drummer Joe Lastie, and the bands powerful horn section led by trumpeter Mark Braud to start the album in a rousing, rumbling fashion. From there, the band forays into their originals of soulful gospel, familiar and comfortable traditional, and some more modern New Orleans sounds.
Highlights include crooner and saxophonist Clint Maedgen soulfully singing his composition of the sultry, steamy tune "August Nights" that beautifully captures warm New Orleans summer evenings."Rattlin' Bones," hauntingly sung by trombonist Freddie Lonzo, is a horn infused tune reminding listeners of New Orleans fascination with the spirits of the departed that permeate a city that buries many above ground in their often visited Cities of the Dead.
Three tunes feature octogenarian clarinetist Charlie Gabriel, a fourth-generation New Orleans musician, singing beautifully in his spoken baritone style. Gabriel is an engaging and gentle man in real life and it comes through in his voicing's on "Come With Me," "I Think I Love You" and "The Darker It Gets." This album is a showcase for Gabriel and leaves little doubt of his traditional jazz talents.
In a first, this album, co-produced by Jaffe and Jim James of My Morning Jacket, brought modern recording techniques into the comfort of the old Saint Peters Street hall. In the process, they were able to create and record new traditional music with studio quality sound. While the music is new, the band did not stray far from their mission of preservation. The music feels new, yet comfortably familiar. With this album, Jaffe successfully continues his mission to keep New Orleans traditional jazz popular and appealing to listeners of all ages.
Track Listing
That's It!; Dear Lord (Give Me The Strength); Come With Me; Sugar Plum; Rattlin' Bones; I Think I Love You; August Nights; Halfway Right; Halfway Wrong; Yellow Moon; The Darker It Gets; Emmalena's Lullaby
Personnel
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
band / ensemble / orchestraMark Braud, trumpet; Ben Jaffe, string bass, sousaphone; Ronell Johnson, sousaphone; Clint Maedgen, tenor sax, clarinet & vocals; Rickie Monie, piano, Joe Lastie, drums; Freddie Lonzo, trombone; Charlie Gabriel, clarinet
Album information
Title: That's It! | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Sony Music
Comments
About Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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