Customer Reviews

In New Orleans

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This was recorded at the same session that produced the wonderful Indiana disc. The Dogs had a couple of days in the Audiophile studios to work their magic while they visited New Orleans back in November of 1999. This one, as well as the Indiana volume, should be in all Dog lover collections.

There are 17 tunes about or associated with New Orleans. Carol Leigh sings on five of them. The band sings on just one(Ice Cream). Total time is 70+ minutes.

The Salty Dogs began as a college band, playing for dances or other school get togethers back in the fifties. They may have been considered a semi-pro band in that time period. Today these guys have somewhere over fifty years experience and that, in my book, makes them as professional as can be.

The Audiophile studio recording captures the band in fine form. All the players are heard in fine detail. I don't think I've heard a better disc of John Cooper's piano playing. His intros and solos are superb. His playing throughout is sublime.

Joining pianist John Cooper are Kim Cusack, clarinet; Lew Green, cornet; Tom Bartlet, trombone; Jack Kuncl, banjo; Mike Walbridge, tuba; Wayne Jones, drums; and Carol Leigh, vocals. This version of the band has been together since the mid sixties.

The tunes are all played well and everyone gets a chance to shine. It's mostly the band sound that establishes these Dogs as one of the finest traditional units still playing today. Do yourself a favour and get this disc. It's a great place to start for the uninitiated and a sure bet for the veterans. Heartily recommended.

Pianist John Cooper died April 21st, 2010 R.I.P.