Clarinetists
Tim Laughlin and Jack Maheu on
Swing That Music team up with pianist John Royen, rhythm guitarist Hank Mackie, bassist Al Bernard and drummer Hal Smith for some spirited music that could be called dixieland or small group swing. While the slower pieces (such as "Creole Love Call," "The Mooche" and "My Inspiration") are fine, it is the hotter jams that are most memorable, particularly "High Society," "Panama" (one of the great multi-themed New Orleans jazz classics) and "Swing That Music."
Laughlin and Maheu have similar and very complementary styles yet are competitive enough to make the stomps quite heated. Their rendition of Sidney Bechet's "The Fish Vendor" is a highpoint. (Available from Jazzology, 1206 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116) ~ Scott Yanow