Search - Paris Washboard :: Love for Sale

Washboard Swings!

ROY SUPERIOR | Massachusetts, USA | 06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't be misled by preconceived expectations of ricky-tick, tired old dixieland chestnuts, played in a hackneyed style.These guys play Traditional Jazz in the finest sense, easily the equal of any of the "trad" groups playing worldwide today. Paris Washboard evokes a spirit that simultaneously pays homage while being fresh and hot. Marquet's clarinet, while Bechet-inspired, soars beyond mere regurgitation of Sidney's licks, and creates a voice of it's own, especially when it delves into the rich, dark lower register. Barda's trombone plays a rhythmic counterpoint reminiscent of Jimmy Archey, but with occasional humor akin to Vic Dickenson. Louis Mazetier summons Willie "the lion" Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, and Earl Hines as his muses and puts them all together with the ability of the late Dick Wellstood, all-the-while holding his own. Move over Butch Thompson! Watch out Dick Hyman! Combine all this with Gérard Bagot's perfectly tasteful, appropiate percussion, and you have an exciting, truly authentic, hot, swinging, toe-tapping band, that play some rarely-heard titles in addition to great standards. As a musician playing this music for 40 years, I'm not easily impressed, however, I've purchased all of their net-available albums and eagerly await more.You won't be dissapointed!"