Ken Colyer Once More For Auntie CD

This 1998 CD features cornetist Ken Colyer on three separate occasions broadcasting for the BBC with his part-time bands of the '70s. Two of the groups (from 1972 or 1977) also have trombonist Len Baldwin, either John Wurr or Gerry Turnham on clarinet, and a three- or four-piece rhythm section with pianist Ray Smith on the later date. The other session (from 1975) features Colyer with a reunited Crane River Jazzband, an expanded group with a second trumpeter and such notables as clarinetist Monty Sunshine and John R.T. Davies tripling on alto, baritone, and trombone. Overall, the three dates are quite consistent, each offering high-quality examples of New Orleans jazz. Among the highlights are "There's Yes, Yes in Your Eyes," "Shim-Me-Sha Wabble," "Big Chief Battleaxe," "Just a Little While to Stay Here," and "Salutation March." An excellent sampling of Ken Colyer's music while he was still in near-prime form. ~ Scott Yanow