Church Alley Irregulars

Producer Big Bill Bissonnette gathered together some of his favorite British trad players for this all-star set. The staccato playing of trumpeter Norman Thatcher is a little reminiscent of Kid Thomas Valentine and gives the set a primitive feel but the many ensembles are always coherent and musical. The rhythm section is particularly strong while the interplay between the four horns is full of excitement. Although there are solos along the way, there are also many instances where two or three horns are improvising together, jamming happily on warhorses and more obscure material alike. Annie Hawkins' occasional bowing of her bass is an added plus. Fans of Bissonnette's brand of New Orleans jazz will certainly enjoy this spirited outing. ~ Scott Yanow