The New Wonders: The New Wonders

In the vast array of jazz styles, if there is one segment which rises phoenix-like over time, it is the music of the first third of the Twentieth Century, the era which saw Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, and other individuals and bands ignite popularity. With "the New Wonders," NY-based cornetist, vocalist, arranger and ardent student of that early jazz era Mike Davis has pulled together some of New York's finest trad players in a romp and stomp collection of well-and some lesser-known Jazz Age hits.

The festivities kick off with a speakeasy door-opener, "Flamin' Mamie" from the pen of Paul Whiteman and Fred Rose. Indicative of the '20s songs with a novelty lyric kick, the band roars across the track. "Reaching for Someone (and No One There)" is a slow drag two-step featuring a classic vocal by Davis, whose style fits the genre to a tee. Continuing that slower groove, "I'm More Than Satisfied" which includes a "barbershop quartet" styled vocal take, swings on its own.

"The New Wonders" (a name Davis grabbed from the brand of horn Bix used) demonstrate that they have the necessary chops (meaning articulation, as well as style-appropriate solo and ensemble playing) dead-on for these period pieces. However, from that of a modern player, the discipline to maintain the feel, flow, and presentation of '20s jazz is a challenge. These Cats have those aspects down, even adding their personal flavorings.

"I'd Rather Cry Over You (Than Love Someone Else)" presents a vocal group running the tune down in classic '20s style before the ensemble joins the fray. "Persian Rug," an exotic Eastern rickety-tick two-beat with camel walk horn wah-wah mute and sax solos before the ensemble drives home. "I Need Some Lovin" is an up-tempo rhythm fest. The vocal here, by Davis, is a classic tenor who runs the lyrics without being camp. The solos here and all over the date rock. "Smile Darn Ya, Smile" one of those the-sun's-always-shining-somewhere-be-happy tunes with cornetist, Davis and bone man, Joe McDonough riding over a booming Jay Rattman bass saxophone. The track reminds one of those early cartoon soundtracks. The track is high-energy and a highlight. Tiny Parham's "Jungle Crawl" is reminiscent of Duke Ellington's classic "The Mooche." Clarinetist, Rickey Alexander does the honors over a lumbering rhythm base, featuring woodblock galloping. "I'm Walking Between the Raindrops" is another medium tempo two-step with optimistic devil-may-care lyrics. "The Baltimore" is the fastest track on the date and is a locomotive of zest and a terrific coda to this most uplifting album.

There may be comparisons of "The New Wonders" to ensembles such as Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks and others. This group, smaller in size, has all the fervor of those fine ensembles. And, their album should be added to any trad lovers' collection. It is a helluva rumpus

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