Reviews for:
JCCD-3051: “Down Home Music”- Dr. Michael White, Gregg Stafford

AllMusicGuide.com - World Wide Web

Once more joining to pursue their validation of jazz New Orleans-style, Dr. Michael White and his younger companion, Gregg Stafford, have produced another gem of a session. White's clarinet is born of the tradition of Johnny Dodds out of the Crescent City's master clarinet teacher, Lorenzo Tio Jr.. Stafford's trumpet shows the influences of the New Orleans' horns with Louis Armstrong in the forefront, of course. White and Stafford give harmonious, energetic structure to the music without ever losing that free and easy way that characterized groups who played this music during its heyday. This synergy between White and Stafford and between themselves and the rest of the crew stays intact throughout the session. It is evident on "When I Grow Too Old to Dream," where each member gets a chance to solo, with Stafford adding a vocal in his rough and ready style. White also tells the story of the legendary voodoo queen of New Orleans on "Marie La Veau," engaging in old-time call and response with the rest of the band. More traditional music comes from Reide Kaiser as he puts on the pianistic mantle of Jelly Roll Morton on "Mr. Jelly Lord." The cut is entirely the piano player's. The close relationship between jazz and church music is recognized with a medley of "Amen"/"Whole World in His Hands." "Panama Rag" is typical of the feeling these "keepers of the flame" have for this traditional music, as Stafford plays the melody with White laying down a counter-melody underneath before reversing roles. The banjo of Emil Mark and the rhythm of Colin Bray and Taff Lloyd all help make Down Home Music an outstanding representation of traditional New Orleans jazz. Heartily recommended.
- Dave Nathan

http://www.jazzcrusade.com