Jackson 6 debut album

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-The swinging, stomping, and syncopated beats of New Orleans traditional jazz are alive and well in Jackson. And in the spirit of those great bands of the day, local ensemble Jackson 6 combines the authentic components of this true American art form with a contemporary edge. Now comes the time for their first offering, a self-titled studio album.

Jackson 6 was founded in 2007 by John Kidwell (vocals, trombone, banjo) and Jason Fritts (saxophones) and was an instant anomaly in the local music scene. Traditional New Orleans jazz, also labeled as “Dixieland” or “hot jazz,” is the earliest recorded style of jazz music dating to the 1910s. Not only do they play it well, the music serves as a built-in history lesson for those who aren’t familiar with its roots.
“In a way, this is really blue-collar music about life’s hardships and it still resonates with what’s going on today,” Fritts said. “Being poor and making what you have work—much of this music came from that lifestyle.”

There have been several changes in the lineup since the band formed two years ago, including five different drummers. Along with Kidwell and Fritts, current members include Lawrence Bennett on trumpet, bassist Bill Plummer, drummer Ed Domer, and Keith Philips on keyboard.

This music was not created for listening. It’s dance music. Fragments of ragtime and blues, and a simple melodic quality define the infectious sound, setting it apart from bebop and big band music. Since one horn usually plays the melody and the other brass instruments improvise around that melody, a relaxed, brother-like chemistry within the horn section is imperative.

Kidwell, Fritts and Bennett bring an intellectual vibe to the improvisational nature on the genre, and the veteran musicianship of Phillips, Plummer and Domer were captured within the 11 album tracks. Recording began in October 2008 at Greg Creamer’s PureLand Studio in Driggs, where the disc was also mixed. Hit play and you’ll hear Marti Gras classics like “Sweet Georgia Brown” (1926), “St. James Infirmary” (1896), and “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” (1922).

“Traditionally, this music is always improvised,” said Fritts.  “So to keep that spontaneity, and to stray from such a polished studio sound, we opted to record the horns together. It really forced us to be in the moment.”

Prepare to be uplifted—the spirit of New Orleans has been revived from 2,000 miles away. You’re now in Wyoming. JHW

The CD release party and concert is at 8 p.m., Thursday in Dancers’ Workshop, Studio 1 at the Center for the Arts; free.  Call Jason Fritts at 699-0102; jcfritts@gmail.com; MySpace.com/jackson6band.

Courtesy photo
Jazz nostalgia takes the stage when the Jackson 6 perform their CD release party.


PERMALINK:
Jackson 6 debut album | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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