Classic New Orleans Dixieland jazz from a true-to-the-tradition New Orleans band. Clarinet, trumpet, trombone, guitar, double bass and washboard. A vocal line up of varying voices and excellent harmonies. Classic songs and tunes chosen from a rich jazz heritage.
Despite a touch of jet lag they're a fun bunch too, with jokes and stories interspersing the music. Chloe Feoranzo (clarinet), Molly Reeves (guitar) and Marla Dixon (trumpet) take turns on lead vocal, all strong performers although Dixon edges it for me, her gutsiness of tone and subtle phrasing making the most of the bluesier numbers. Haruka Kikuchi (trombone) is a far weaker vocalist, but one contribution, Salty Dog, was perfect. She also provided some unexpected entertainment when her baby, ear defenders on, clamoured to join her on stage. Simultaneously playing slide trombone and keeping a small child on your lap is some feat!
Great instrumental solos form all the front four too, and again Dixon stood out for the magination in her playing. A highlight was the occasional washboard solo from the excellent, and fascinating to watch, Defne Incirlioglu. If Julie Schexnayder on bass didn't get much solo time she was still very much the beating heart of the band, solid of rhythm and fancy of improv.
No complex electronics, no fancy arrangements, nothing musically progressive about the Shake 'Em Up style. Just solid trad jazz, beautifully played, delivered with passion and joy. Not to be missed if you love 20s and 30s New Orleans music.
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