A new name to me, Ricky Alexander identifies in style with vintage classic jazz, ragtime and swing, recreating standards from yesteryear with freshness and verve, and with technical assurance. Following in Bechet and Bob Wilber’s footprints, his soprano is incisive, lyrical and rhythmically punchy. Equally adept on clarinet, his phrasing is fluent and attacking.
The experienced and versatile Jon-Erik Kellso makes an ideal partner, and the supple ensemble rapport between the two horns is impressive. The rhythm section swings responsibly and robustly, with two pianists involved. Unfortunately, the allocated track numbering is at odds with comments in the notes, so it isn’t easy to be sure which pianist is playing on each. Vanessa Gould, the young guest vocalist, sings on four tracks with a positive, warm-toned bluesy touch, duetting agreeably with Alexander in Sweet Lorraine.
Besides his effective ensemble responses, Kellso’s fiery solos, with hints of Roy Eldridge and Cootie Williams, help to build up a head of steam on upbeat tracks such as People Will Say We’re In Love, Just One Of Those Things and Fine And Dandy. Alexander’s soprano lays down sweeping melodic runs in Bechet style on his original Promenade, a pleasant ballad stroller. His clarinet is showcased in Rubber Plant Rag, impressing with its spritely fluency. (The tune was cheekily purloined by Bechet in the 50s, and retitled Moulin À Café.) Lively, fresh arrangements of King Porter Stomp and High Society make enjoyable upbeat listening.
There are no photographs of the band, but several (for reasons which elude me) of Ricky serenading a local goat herd on soprano! I hope they approved…
This is a very well performed and entertaining fresh spin on an interesting mix of standards from the earlier days of jazz. Highly recommended.
Discography
(1) People Will Say We’re In Love; (2) Sweet Lorraine; (1) King Porter Stomp; Promenade; (2) It Had To Be You; (1) Just One Of Those Things; High Society; (2) Fine And Dandy; (1) Don’t Blame Me; (2) Spring Is Here; (1) The Touch Of Your Lips; (3) Rubber Plant Rag (45.53)
(1) Alexander (ss, cl, v); Jon-Erik Kellso (c); Dalton Ridenhour or Jon Thomas (p); Brennan Ernst (g); Rob Adkins (b); Kevin Dorn (d). Big Orange Sheep, recording date unknown, 2024?
(2) as (1) Add Vanessa Gould (v).
(3) Alexander (cl). As (1) except omit Kellso and Ernst.
Turtle Bay Records TBR-24-001
