Just Found Joy
Turtle Bay, 2024
9/10
The saxophone, clarinet and singer Ricky Alexander brings us a listen that dips into ragtime, swing and stompin’ fun, where some excellent players and a very special guest are in attendance.
“People Will Say We’re In Love” starts the listen with Alexander’s bright clarinet alongside Jon Thomas’ playful keys and Rob Adkins’ bass acrobatics in the lively climate, and “Sweet Lorraine” follows with Brennen Ernst’s rumbling keys alongside Kevin Dorn’s frisky drums that suit the harmonic singing courtesy of Vanisha Gould.
Further along, the classic “It Had To Be You” showcases Gould’s distinct voice amid Jon-Erk Kellso’s meticulous cornet, while the bright brass of “High Society” sounds like could soundtrack the dance floor of a speakeasy.
Further along, “Spring Is Here” embraces a distinct intimacy via the mature keys and expressive singing from Gould, as Alexander’s dreamy clarinet enters, and “Rubber Plant Rag” exits with a charming and swift delivery of quick bass, drums, keys and sax.
Other than the lone original, all the songs here were penned between 1901 and 1943, where Alexander and company span rowdy moments as well as melancholy for this truly timeless affair.
Travels well with: The New Wonders- Steppin’ Out; Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo