Clarinetist
Brian White's
Magna Jazz Band
has been a popular Dixieland outfit in England since the mid-'50s. For this CD reissue,
White
is joined by trumpeter
Ben Cohen
, trombonist
Geoff Cole
, pianist
Alan Thomas
,
Joe Becket
or
Gordon Davis
on bass and drummer
Ian Castle
. The music is spirited and well-played with the highlights including
"Yes Yes in Your Eyes,"
"1919 March," "Chattanooga Stomp," "Come Back Sweet Papa" and "I Double Dare You"; even "McKinley Morganfield" (an out-of-place tribute to
Muddy Waters
) is successful. Recommended to Dixieland fans. ~ Scott Yanow