I'd set out to review the new album from the Dirty River Dixie Band for the July issue. I'm glad I waited. In June, before the Dixie Chicks came to a similar conclusion, the band had decided to change their name to Dirty River Jazz Band. While the name doesn't have the same zing, it does perhaps sound more mature once you get used to it, and it's nowhere near as awkward as what The Chicks ended up with.
I applaud them on the name change and understand how difficult it must have been after building a reputation for seven years and releasing several albums under the old one. My CD in fact, though brand new, is labeled with the old name and the LP which will only become available this summer also bears the old moniker. They did send along a short explanatory note that I imagine will be accompanying orders. The decision is a strong statement of their intention to continue writing their place into San Antonio jazz history.
Started after the founding members, then students at Texas Lutheran, were exposed to a Jim Cullum performance they've become a real working band. Managed by drummer, vocalist, and arranger Chris Alvarado and led on stage by Cornetist Kris Vargas, they've traveled to play Swing Dances and private events all over the country. They can even grow into a 10-15 member orchestra modeled on Chick Webb's when the occasion demands. In the liner notes, where Alvarado and Var
