The Secret Six is a pandemic inspired ensemble featuring core members of the Smoking Times Jazz Club, one of my favorite New Orleans bands, as well as musicians from several other New Orleans groups. While New Orleans was on lock down they played wherever they could, always keeping a safe distance. Constitutionally unable to not play music they could be heard in parks, and outside the windows of the housebound, at church picnics, whatever outlet they could find. Though they played as everything from a trio to much more they, kept the name as Secret Six to mark the original group.
The group, led by Smoking Times, John Joyce, formed a bond and plans on continuing to work together, as well as with their primary groups, now that the sunrise the world has been waiting for is upon us. Their first album, recorded outdoors as all their engagements were, is sure too delight all fans of New Orleans music and the young bands playing that music there today.
The album certainly honors the New Orleans sound. The twelve tracks feature Bunk Johnson, George Lewis, and Louis Armstrong with two credits each. Danny Barker and Kid Ory also get credits. I don't mean credits in the normal composer sense, keeping with the practice of the Smoking Time Jazz Club they credit the recording of the title that inspired them! I find that so very useful. With the aid of YouTube you are sure to find a delightful
