TWO RELEASES FROM JAZZOLOGY
Two CDs put out by Jazzology in 2020 are well worth discovering. Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and clarinetist Evan Christopher are among today’s New Orleans jazz greats although both also play swing and other related styles. Kellso’s Sweet Fruits Salty Roots showcases him in a quartet with Christopher, guitarist Don Vappie and bassist Peter Harris.
Due to the instrumentation of the pianoless, drumless quartet, one may be reminded briefly of the classic Sidney Bechet session from 1940 with Muggsy Spanier. However Kellso and Christopher both have their own sounds and can generally be identified within a few notes. The trumpeter does hint at Bunny Berigan and (to a lesser extent) Louis Armstrong in spots, and recalls Cootie Williams when he uses the plunger mute, but he very much sounds like himself. Ironically Christopher, who on other projects has shown that he can sound close to Sidney Bechet, never does on this date. He primarily plays a supportive role with his mellow tone and superior harmonizing skill being perfect foils for Kellso’s frequently heated solos.
The dozen songs performed by the quartet are mostly lesser-known numbers such as “Have A Heart,” “Heah Me Talkin’ To Ya,” and “One For The Duke.” It is particularly great to hear the revival of such tunes as “Coal Cart Blues,” “No Regrets,” and “Diane.” With the quiet
