On this, their fourth, CD, the Golden Eagle Jazz Band demonstrate that they have not strayed from their founding tenet as stated on their on-line home page: “… [to play] New Orleans jazz the way it was meant to be played, that is, with a powerful and melodic front line and a hard driving rhythm section.” Banjoist Kevin Scott anchors the rhythm section with an unwavering hold on tempo, assisted by Chris Thompson on bass and Malc Murphy on drums, both of whom do not push the beat.
This, along with the solid chording platform they provide, allows the front line maximum opportunity to improvise, to concentrate on what they are producing from their horns without having to also hold back a galloping rhythm section or, conversely, to speed up a dragging one. All too often that is a luxury not afforded when playing traditional jazz in some bands. The only problem—and it is a slight one—is the uncertainty of some of the endings, such as occurs in “Sail Along Silvery Moon,” and “The Cat’s Got Kittens.” That can be, as it is here, a problem occasionally encountered where there is collective improvisation and the recording is of a live performance.
From the first one on, all tracks are eminently suitable for dancing. The band has a relaxed feel, resulting in fluid music that glides along smoothly, no unevenness or roughness. Even when there is a change in rhythm, such as on
