I’ve seen and heard a great deal of live jazz performance since 2004 (and before then) and occasionally I feel as if the video camera has been grafted on my body (“More than five thousand published YouTube videos,” he said immodestly) — but the band that follows is one of my great pleasures.
It’s a delicious hybrid of deep New Orleans, Bob Crosby Bobcats, Teddy Wilson and Basie small groups. I speak of Tim Laughlin’s All Stars featuring the master of melody on clarinet; Connie Jones, cornet; Doug Finke, trombone; Chris Dawson, piano; Marty Eggers, string bass; Hal Smith, drums. Here they are in all their delightful gliding majesty at the 2014 San Diego Jazz Fest.
YOU’RE LUCKY TO ME:
BUDDY BOLDEN’S BLUES:
DO YOU EVER THINK OF ME?:
And a vocal feature for someone who’s not only one of the greatest instrumentalists I know — but also a great musical actor and singer, Mister Connie Jones — NEW ORLEANS AND A RUSTY OLD HORN:
I treasure these musicians and these performances, and feel privileged beyond words that I have been in the same room (with a camera) with these masters.
May your happiness increase!