Search - Sharkey Bonano :: Sharkey & His Kings of Dixieland

Sharkey on Southland

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 06/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A couple of Joe Mares' Southland sessions, one from '57 and the other from '58, make up this cd. The first half is a well recorded live jam session with Bonano on trumpet, Jack Delaney on trombone, Stanley Mendelson on piano, Arnold Loyacano on string bass, Abbie Brunies on the drums and Boojie Centobie on clarinet. It's very upbeat and friendly.



The second half introduces Harry Shields on clarinet, Armand Hug on piano, Bob Havens on trombone, Chink Martin on bass, and Monk Hazel on the drums. There are a couple of interesting tune choices along with the chestnuts. All of it is nicely recorded, making the whole cd an enjoyable listen.



Joe Mares documented an interesting era of music making in New Orleans and captured some of the more familiar musicians with brilliant yet obscure players like Boojie Centobie. He also had a knack for bringing together certain like minded musicians with others for recording purposes.



George H. Buck of GHB records has owned the Southland catalogue for some time now and is still releasing sessions that haven't seen the light of day for half a century. Everything Mr. Buck releases will always remain available from the GHB Jazz Foundation. You can still purchase this item directly from Jazzology. If upbeat toe-tapping New Orleans jazz of the fifties is your thing, this is for you."