The tune selection is an encyclopedia of early American music. Most of the selections are in the early hot-Jazz dance band style, which reminds me of the days I spent playing drums with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks. This particular CD features his Creole Jazz Serenaders. On this CD he works as an arranger, composer, tenor banjoist, guitarist, mandolinist and vocalist. For jazz disciples of any stripe, this double dose of Vappie is essential listening.ĭon’s CD’s are always something to look forward to. On Harry Reser’s soundtrack-resembling “Heebe Jeebes,” Vappie stages a dazzling clinic of virtuosity.
The Creole Jazz Serenaders venture beyond the Crescent City to cover significant New Orleans-influenced jazz groups such as McKinney’s Cotton Pickers (“Beedle-um-bum,” “Plain Dirt”) and Mills Blue Rhythm Band (“Blue Rhythm”). Other Crescent City fodder includes a kicking version of King Oliver’s “Nelson’s Stomp” and a swanky rendition of Jelly Roll Morton’s “Fussy Mabel” featuring Fardella’s animated, muted trumpet blowing, Vappie’s crisp guitar picking and Larry Sieberth’s bouncy piano. Trumpeter Charlie Fardella shines on the next solo, which is then followed by both Fardella and Fischer madly diverging and converging upon the melody in unison. The song kicks off with clarinetist Tom Fischer playing the infectious melody line before by smooth crooner Vappie sings about cooking chickens and napping. Similar to Banjo A La Creole, the Creole element in New Orleans jazz is evidenced by a trio of Creole French-sung numbers: Kid Ory’s risqué “Creole Song,” the sexy “Madame Becassine” and “Les Ognons.” The latter is a mature treatment of a children’s folk song in Haiti.Īlthough the folk song has long been adapted into the New Orleans trad jazz repertoire, and has been recorded and popularized by many, Vappie opted for Danny Barker’s signature arrangement. Swing Out from Vappie’s Creole Jazz Serenaders is an exuberant affair of traditional jazz loaded with sudden stops, quick changes, snappy high-hat cymbal snappings, clucking banjos and sailing trumpet, clarinet and sax solos that make for vibrant dance music.
0 kommentar(er)
