Dr. Michael White has recorded fairly often since the early '90s, and displays the feel and spirit of the best New Orleans clarinetists. On some of his previous sessions, he slips out of tune in spots, but happily that is not the case on
Dancing in the Sky, which is easily his finest recording to date.
White composed all but two of the selections and, while some pieces are based on obvious predecessors, others are more original.
White is joined by an excellent rhythm section, one of three trumpeters (
Nicholas Payton,
Mark Braud, or
Gregory Stafford), and trombonist
Lucien Barbarin. The opening "Algiers Hoodoo Woman" is a little reminiscent of "The Mooche," having the same mysterious feel.
Payton, who takes both a wah-wah and an open solo, perfectly fits into this classic style. "Dancing in the Sky (Reflection)" is a cheerful piece featuring
Gregory Stafford on trumpet and vocal. "The Truth of the Blues," a quartet showcase for
White, is essentially
George Lewis' "Burgundy Street Blues," while the catchy "Give It Up" has the same chords as "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon." "The Hag's Rag" is a delightful new rag by
White, on which he recalls
Tony Parenti a bit. The old-time vaudevillian blues "Angel in the Day (Devil at Night)" features the singing of Thais Clark and a surprise ending in the lyrics. "Jambalaya Strut" brings back the sound of
Jelly Roll Morton's
Red Hot Peppers in an arrangement that expertly uses breaks with
White emulating
Johnny Dodds and
Payton taking a stop-time solo. "Where the Mighty Mississippi Sleeps" is a melancholy ballad that contrasts with "New Orleans Bounce," a lengthy romp for
White on a medium-tempo blues. The set concludes with the feel of early-'30s
Duke Ellington on "Creole Nights," a vocal by
Gregory Stafford on "Down by the Riverside," some emotional clarinet on a slow "Amazing Grace," and a parade band stomp ("Dancing in the Sky [Transition]") that has all three trumpeters interacting. Everything works on this memorable outing, which is highly recommended to fans of New Orleans jazz. ~ Scott Yanow