The Newport Beach Session

Released for the first time in 1998, this CD features an all-star octet of trad and mainstream players: cornetist Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist Dan Barrett, Rick Fay on tenor and soprano, clarinetist Chuck Hedges, pianist Johnny Varro, bassist Bob Haggart, the late drummer Gene Estes and guest guitarist Marty Grosz. The repertoire (with a couple of exceptions) is mostly Dixieland-oriented standards, with plenty of hot ensembles and solos on such tunes as "Original Dixieland One Step," "Struttin' with Some Barbecue," "The Lady's in Love with You" and "Hindustan." Grosz ("Save It Pretty Mama") and Fay (on his own "Rebecca") take one vocal apiece, and Fay's soprano is featured on "Passion Flower." Otherwise, the music is solid Dixieland played with energy, enthusiasm and creativity. An enjoyable release.