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"Trad bands are not my usual fare, as
readers may have guessed long ago. No objection to what they do in the name of jazz, you
understand, as long as I don't have to listen too often. Bands that play 'in the
tradition' are something else and the Grand Dominion comes under that heading. It's
musicianly, enthusiastic and ever-seeking fresh material. This latest version of the band
may well be it's best in it's long history although I've been enthusiastic every time I've
heard it in concert and on record in recent years.
The programme presented here certainly has variety, all the way from the opening swinger,
Smiles, a song dating from the early teens, to the reverent spiritual which closes.
Between are some great old popular tunes of long ago, both ballads and brisks, as well as
blues, a Burl Ives special (Poor Wayfaring Stranger), a Paul Robeson hit (My Curly Headed
Baby), and seven minutes of Brahms yet. You may ask how the fellows get away with it but
there's no problem. Sweet or hot it's all top class jazz.
Thoroughly recommended."
CD review of "Smiles,"
Bert Whyatt, Jazz Journal International, Dublin, Ireland, 1998.
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