There’s something particularly appealing about live recordings right now, when we can’t go out and enjoy bands in person. A 1961 record of Chris Barber in Hamburg has spent a lot of time on my turntable this week. Like the Barber platter, the aptly-named Live! by The Candy Jacket Jazz Band blends bluesy, boogie-friendly numbers with some floor-meltingly hot tracks in an offering which is sure to scratch that live jazz itch.
It boasts some great arrangements of old favorites including floor-fillers by Ellington, Hodges, Parker and more. Cootie Williams track “Ain’t The Gravy Good?” is sure to be a hit with swing dancers; not oft-played, and featuring the saucy food-based wordplay beloved of Lindy Hoppers, for some reason. (You’ll always hear “I Like Pie, I Like Cake,” “The Spinach Song,” and “Closer to the Bone” where I dance; coincidence?) There’s also a nice version of “C Jam Blues” on there, although—at almost four minutes and about 180 BPM—it’s less dance-friendly than certain other versions.
But where this record really shines is in its Swing Era-evoking originals, “composed with the Lindy Hop and Balboa communities in mind”; short, sweet and very danceable. “Hot Stuff Comin’ Through” is one which should appeal to jitterbugs; a jumping track reminiscent of Louis Jordan’s best, with vocalist Dan Weinstein urging listeners to “
