The 1999 version of
the Dukes of Dixieland collaborate with the New Orleans Gospel Choir (whose personnel is inexcusably not listed) on this set of gospel-jazz. Nine of the 13 songs have vocals, there are three instrumentals ("Sermonette," "Just a Little While to Stay Here," and "Hymn"), and the band attempts some humor on "Dry Bones." The music from the sextet (which is augmented by three other musicians on some cuts) is decent Dixieland with trumpeter
Kevin Clark and pianist
Tom McDermott being the most prominent players. This version of
the Dukes does not compare to the early-'60s Assunto band but they have their moments and, overall, this is a good-natured session that has plenty of spirit. ~ Scott Yanow