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Strictly Smokin’ Big Band: Strictly Smokin’ & Friends (Jazz Sound Records)
****
Led by founder, trumpeter Michael Lamb, the Strictly Smokin’ outfit preaches the gospel of big band jazz with joyous and at times blistering zeal. As an opener they bounce with relish into Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise, which becomes a trumpet showcase as guest trumpeter Mike Lovatt is joined by the SSBB’s Lamb, Gordon Marshall and Pete Tanton.
Each track features a notable guest soloist, organist Ross Stanley riding the bluesy swagger of Cool Struttin’, vocalist Polly Gibbons bringing lithe and powerfully worldly-wise delivery to Cole Porter’s Love for Sale. Alan Barnes’s crisp alto sax leads Sonny Rollins’s Airegin, the band punching behind, there’s wonderfully spirited flute from Gareth Lockrane in Daisy Mae, while Paul Booth closes with gleefully piping soprano sax in his own Twitterbug Waltz.
This is music that is big, bold and, dare one say it, fun.
Jim Gilchrist
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