Lino Patruno Jammin' For Condon CD

This tribute to Eddie Condon is quite logical. Like Condon, Lino Patruno is a rhythm guitarist who rarely solos but is quite talented at organizing all-star trad jazz bands. As with Condon, Patruno has the ability to gather together oversized groups and feature each of the musicians under conditions that bring out the best in each player. Patruno (who lives in Italy) outdid himself on this live concert. Eight horns, a four-piece rhythm section, and Rebecca Kilgore (who sings "Exactly Like You," "You Took Advantage of Me," and "Sugar") are heard in exciting ensembles and heated solos. All of the horns get their spots, and they occasionally pay tribute to Condon's sidemen (such as Tom Baker's emulation of Wild Bill Davison's growls on "You Took Advantage of Me" and Evan Christopher sometimes sounding a bit like Edmond Hall). The lineup of musicians consists of cornetist Ed Polcer (who led the band at the last version of Eddie Condon's club); Tom Baker on cornet and trombone (tragically, he died suddenly less than four months after this concert); Dan Barrett on trombone and cornet; Michael Supnick (also on trombone and cornet); clarinetist Evan Christopher; Luca Velotti on clarinet, soprano and tenor; Jim Galloway on soprano; baritonist Red Pellini; pianist Rossano Sportiello; bassist Guido Giacomini; and drummer Giampaolo Biagi, in addition to Patruno. Every selection has its exciting moments. "Linger Awhile" features Barrett, Baker, and Supnick all on trombones; there are four trumpets/cornets on "The Sheik of Araby" (Barrett, Baker, Supnick, and Polcer); and the full-ensemble romps through "There'll Be Some Changes Made," "I Want to Be Happy," and "China Boy." There are no slow moments on this stirring disc of hot Dixieland. Easily recommended to hot jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow

This CD will bring back memories of the famous Town Hall concerts by Eddie Condon & His All Stars - it was recorded last year at the annual Ascona New Orleans Jazz Festival in Ascona, Switzerland. On stage were Lino Patruno (the "Eddie Condon of Europe")

Recorded at the Ascona New Orleans Jazz Festival, Ascona, Switzerland on July 5, 2001.

Personnel: Lino Patruno (guitar); Evan Christopher (clarinet); Jim Galloway (soprano saxophone); Dan Barrett Quintet , Tom Baker (cornet, trombone); Ed Polcer (cornet); Giampaolo Biagi (drums).

Recording information: 07/05/2001.

Personnel includes: Lino Patruno, Ed Polcer, Tom Baker, Dan Barrett, Evan Christopher, Red Pellini, Rosanno Sportiello.