The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band was founded and is co-led by pianist Conal Fowkes and trumpeter Simon Wettenhall. Long-time musical friends, they were both part of Woody Allen’s band for several decades. Fowkes and Wettenhall have worked with many New York trad groups and recorded with singer Barbara Rosene (although not together). Their current group, which plays each Thursday night at Birdland, features trombonist Harvey Tibbs, clarinetist Tom Abbott, Josh Dunn doubling on guitar and banjo, bassist Brian Nalepka, and drummer Kevin Dorn. Fowkes, Wettenhall and Nalepka also take vocals on the group’s debut album, Live At Birdland.
While the singing, heard on six of the eight selections, is okay, Live At Birdland is most notable for the enthusiastic ensembles, colorful solos, and the general group spirit. It all begins with a depiction of a typical New Orleans funeral, but does not stay somber for long. After a brief “Flee As A Bird” with the usual “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” statement, the band launches into a swinging “Oh Didn’t He Ramble” that serves as a fine introduction to the group. They follow it up with a hot rendition of “Here Comes The Hot Tamale Man” that is a bit inspired by cornetist Freddie Keppard’s 1926 version with Cookie’s Gingersnaps. “Dallas Blues” is primarily a Wettenhall vocal while “Ace In The Hole” recalls Clancy
