Jazz in the Afternoon

This spirited set is an improvement over the debut of Waldo's Gutbucket Syncopators the previous year. The rhythm section is stronger, the group's trombonist Jim Snyder fits in well, and Frank Powers is a strong asset on clarinet and tenor. Terry Waldo has always been a fine trad pianist, and although trumpeter Roy Tate's playing is not flawless, he adds a lot of excitement to the group, sometimes recalling Jabbo Smith. Recorded live, these eight Dixieland-ish performances are highlighted by "At the Jazz Band Ball," "Someday Sweetheart," "Nagasaki," and "Irish Black Bottom." Trad fans will want to pick up this Lp if they run across it.