FIREHOUSE FIVE PLUS TWO
Crashes a Party! (Good Time Jazz)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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In one of the most unusual and entertaining chapters in trad jazz history, the story is told of a band that played with humor, enthusiasm, and musical virtuosity even though it was all just a hobby. A way to blow off steam after a hard day's work at the Walt Disney Studios. That's right, The Firehouse Five Plus Two played for the sheer joy of it, and it showed in every record they made for Lester Koenig's Good Time Jazz label.

This 1960 release is the single best example of all that was great about the band. At a party (mocked up by the band and their families and friends) we hear the boys fielding requests, tossing jokes about, and inspiring sing-alongs with dixieland classics like "Bill Bailey," "You Are My Sunshine," "Ballin' The Jack" and a particularly spirited rendition of "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad." Leader/trombonist Ward Kimball and his mates fill each note with joy, obviously having the good time that we have listening to it.

It doesn't matter a whit that the party is faked. In fact, it's clear that everyone had a hell of a good time, and isn't that what's known as a party? From the first of several drunken requests for "When The Saints Go Marching In" to the inevitable arrival of the police, this is a party for the ages.

Track List:

Let's Have A Party * At The Firemen's Ball * Button Up Your Overcoat * Mama Inez * You Are My Sunshine * When The Saints Go Marching In * Bill Bailey * At The Jazz Band Ball * Heart Of My Heart * Ballin' The Jack * I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad * Nobody's Sweetheart Now

© 2000 - DJ Johnson