The Hot Toddies Jazz Band
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Hot Toddies Jazz Band
The debut album from one of New York City’s most exciting jazz and swing outfits, these 11 songs from The Hot Toddies Jazz Band surround the sounds of the Prohibition Era, and point towards influences like Duke Ellington, Billy Holiday and Count Basie.
“Digga Digga Do” opens the listen with Queen Esther’s soulful, powerful pipes alongside Jon Seiger’s bright trumpet for the dance floor ready fun, and “Love Me Or Leave Me” follows with Hannah Gill’s pretty voice amid Ron Wilkins’ animated trombone that helps cultivate plenty of retro melody.
In the middle, “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You” flows with Dan Levinson’s skilled reeds that complement Ian Hutchison’s playfully plucked bass, while the lively “Saint Louis Blues” places Justin Poindexter on lead vocals alongside Wallace Stelzer’s strategic bass for the bluesy nods.
Approaching the end, “When I Get Low I Get High” brings back Gill’s diverse voice that suits Patrick Soluri’s frisky drums for the stylish album highlight, and “I’m In The Mood For Love” exits with sublime intimacy thanks to Esther’s eloquent singing and Poindexter’s tremolo guitar prowess.
An album that took 4 years to make, it’s quite evident that a lot of work went into these songs, and it sure does make for an uplifting and nostalgic listen.
Travels well with: Danny Fox Trio- Time Took Care Of It; Color As Time- Soma Schema