The Evergreen Classic Jazz Band: Early Tunes: 1915-1932

The first incarnation of jazz that is, rightly or wrongly, referred to as Trad Jazz or Dixieland, is not merely confined to historical releases or to the Preservation Hall in New Orleans. There are still many proponents of the style spread out across the US and abroad.

One such ensemble is the Seattle based The Evergreen Classic Jazz Band, one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest having formed 30 years ago. On Early Tunes: 1915-1932, originally recorded in 1995 bassist Tom Jacobus leads the octet through several, early 20th century, gems remaining fateful to the originals without being academic. In fact the group is able to channel the exuberant spirit of the era filled with humor and passion.

Together with the marching beats of drummer Dale Roach, Jacobus, doubling on tuba, drives the syncopated rhythms with his up-tempo groove. He and his horn rarely take their turn in the spotlight as on the close of pianist Tiny Parham's kitschy "On The Bay Of Old Bombay." The tune also showcases banjoist Al LaTourette's country-blues twang and trombonist David Loomis' buttery and lyrical lines.

LaTourette and saxophonist Jake Powell, the latter on the bass sax, engage in a whimsical dialogue on cornetist Freddy Keppard's classic "Stock Yard Strut." Similarly to Keppard's own version with clarinetist Jimmy Noone, the current melody is built around clarinetist Craig Flory's soaring and heady tones.

Flory's bittersweet solo opens pianist Fats Waller's "Minor Drag." Cornetist David Holo follows with a series of equally intriguing bars. The star of this energetic track is the pianist Dan Grinstead and his Harlem stride stylings.

One of the lesser-known jewels of the album is, trumpeter Louis Armstrong's Hot Five song, the rarely heard, "Put 'Em Down Blues." Loomis alternates between warm, mellow trombone phrases and gravely, evocative vocals. LaTourette's bright strums add a joyous touch to the rendition of the piece.

This engaging and superbly executed album may not be for mainstream tastes but it will definitely delight aficionados of the sub-genre. Jacobus and his men, together with other similar collectives, are keeping the roots of the music alive and relevant.

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