Guitarist-banjoist Glenn Crytzer had two causes in mind when he organized That New Old Sound. He wanted to release a CD whose proceeds would go completely towards supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and he wanted to showcase the viability of today’s swing scene. Crytzer persuaded 15 different groups to contribute one song apiece to this project in addition to recording two selections by his groups. The result is a swing-oriented set featuring many of today’s top (if sometimes overlooked) exponents of vintage music.
That New Old Sound, which is subtitled “Vintage Jazz From A New Generation,” has barebones packaging (just a listing of the songs, composers and the band names), no liner notes and unfortunately lacks a listing of the personnel. That reservation aside, this CD makes for an excellent acquisition because it gives listeners a cross section of the current swing scene along with a few trad groups.
Featured are Tuba Skinny, Greg Rub’s Rhythm Runners, Dandy Wellington, Paul Consentino’s Boilermaker Jazz Band, Jonathan Stout’s Campus Five, Dan Levinson’s Canary Cottage Dance Orchestra, Gordon Webster, the Mint Julep Jazz Band, Mona’s Hot Four, Solomon Douglas, the Grand St. Stompers, the Jonathan Doyle Swingtet, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, the George Gee Swing Orchestra, and Baby Soda. With a few exceptions, most of these groups are somewhat obscure but their musicianship and their ability to add to the vintage styles (rather than just recreating the past) are top-notch. All but five of the songs are recent originals and even those five (except perhaps “Avalon”) are a bit underplayed these days.
The music is mostly hot, always danceable, and full of enthusiasm and creativity within the styles. Glenn Crytzer is to be congratulated for originating and putting this worthy project together.
