Thomas Jefferson
was one of the top New Orleans trumpeters of the 1960s, a lyrical and melodic player who also sang in a style that hinted at
Louis Armstrong
. Unlike some of the
trad
dates of the era, his sessions always found the musicians in-tune and featured high musicianship in addition to spirited playing. This set,
Dreaming Down the River to New Orleans
(from 1962) features
Jefferson
(who takes four vocals) with three different groups; it is a pity that his name is not listed as leader, for he is the star throughout.
performs four numbers in a sextet with trombonist
Jim Robinson
(in peak form), clarinetist
Louis Cottrell
, pianist
Lester Santiago
, bassist
Jerry Adams
, drummer
Paul Barbarin
, and four others with
Barbarin
in a group featuring trombonist
Frog Joseph
and clarinetist
Sam Dutrey
.
Sister Elizabeth Eustis
and a choir sing on
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee."
The remainder of the set has
in an excellent octet with
Joseph
and both
Cottrell
and
Raymond Burke
on clarinets. Overall, the ensembles are clean but exciting, the solos are concise and meaningful, and
's playing is quite enjoyable, clearly inspiring the other players. A gem. ~ Scott Yanow