Al Hirt & Pete Fountain: Super Jazz

I just checked at one of our local malls here in my hometown, yes you can still purchase this CD at one of the many record shops located in mega-malls or even off of the internet CD shops. This perticular CD was the result of our two boys whoopin' it up in New Orleans for Superbowl # 9 . When listening to this CD,one is transported to the Cresent City as this CD was recorded live with all the emotions of joy and spontaneity that is associated with a live concert of these two legendary musicians. This CD has plenty of surprises in it both musically ,vocally and also speaking parts from Al & Pete. This helps set the live nightclub atmosphere.

The collaboration of Al Hirt & Pete Fountain dates back to the early 1940's , so in that aspect nothing is new. However, in this gem of a CD we get both the Al Hirt band and the Pete Fountain band together on tunes like : Perdido , Basin Street Blues and Super Bowl Blues (obviously written for the loosing team, or was it ? ). This is such a great teaming up of bands that the two leaders decided to take the show on the road. They did and it was a phenomenal success in both financial rewards and in bringing back the Dixeland music to other parts of the country. Crica :1975 (road show).

Other tunes featured on this CD include the now late great Al Hirt doing a tribute to his idol " Louis Armstrong" with: Salute To Satchmo, 8:58 in length and also features Al singing like Satch.... Excellent rendition !! When Pete and Al mix it up with clainet and trumpet on tunes like Basin Street Blues, one can't help but tap thier toes wishing they too were in New Orleans on Bourbon Street listening to the jazz go down. If you can't make it there soon, I suggest you buy this CD and throw your own little party as soon as possible.

Footnote: Al Hirt passed away this last April .In the meantime, Pete Fountain ( Al's lifelong friend and fellow musician) is still playin' strong and producing some fine CD's. We will take a listen at a Pete Fountain CD and review it next time. Find out more about Dixieland / Traditional New Orleans music by visiting my vaudeville music site at: http;//home.att.net/~geefam5 You could win something really cool just for stopping by.

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