Retro Music Review | Oldies, Reissues and New Releases with a Retro Sound

Gust Spenos Quartet - Swing Theory (Swing Theory LLC)

Hearing musicians play for the sheer fun of it is always a kick. And the Gust Spenos Quartet kicks like a mule. Deans of their own College of Musical Knowledge, tenor saxman Gust Spenos, pianist Marvin Chandler, bassist Frank Smith, and drummer Kenny Phelps lay down some deliciously vintage sounds on Swing Theory. Ably assisted by special guests Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Schneider, and Everett Greene, the Quartet takes on ten standards and two originals, addressing each tune with verve and style… READ MORE

New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra - Grace And Beauty (Delmark; DE-214)

The New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra is a thing of Grace And Beauty indeed. Swedish pianist Lars Edegran hit upon a simple but brilliant idea, when, in 1967, he put together an ensemble to play ragtime with a New Orleans sensibility. The resulting sound was unique, charming, and altogether new… READ MORE

Vince Seneri (on the Hammond B3 Organ) - The Prince’s Groove (Prince V Records; PVR-007)

There ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, and Hammond B3 master Vince Seneri is as real as they come. On The Prince’s Groove he not only grooves — he also swings, sways, and lays down some truly funky sounds. This marvelous set of Seneri-arranged standards and originals is bound to make any Hammond B3 fan stand up and shout… READ MORE

Dewey Jackson featuring Don Ewell - Live At The Barrel 1952 (Delmark; DE 246)

Trumpeter Dewey Jackson is one of the great lost treasures of traditional jazz. Born in St. Louis at the turn of the last century, Jackson laid down some impressive sounds during his 66 years. Sadly, not many of them were recorded. This new release by Delmark triples Jackson’s discography… READ MORE

Jimmy Bruno with Tony Miceli and Jeff Pedraz - Maplewood Avenue (Affiliated Artists; 3415)

Philadelphia jazz guitarist Jimmy Bruno’s Maplewood Avenue is a masterpiece of understatement. Eschewing his familiar aggressive style in favor of a more restrained approach, Bruno paints his guitar lines with delicate strokes, drawing subtle emotion and warmth out of the instrument… READ MORE