A common criticism of reproductions of Vintage Jazz is that many of the original recordings from the 1920s and 30s are readily available, so why try to recreate them? Most people associated with the Party would agree with that, but that’s not what the Party is about. It is about giving people the opportunity to experience what these bands might have sounded like ‘live’ in their day, recreated by musicians who are experts in their field and – dare we say it – sometimes better jazzers than some of the originals.
‘Pleasure Mad’ is a brand-new 2-CD album comprising selected highlights recorded live in hi-fidelity stereo at the 2017 Party. It represents a snapshot of what’s on offer at the Party; the wide spectrum of classic jazz performed in 2017 included King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, The Young Benny Goodman, Jabbo Smith, Luis Russell’s Orchestra, The Original Dixieland Jazz Band and Bennie Moten. ‘Pleasure Mad’ includes numbers from concerts themed on all of these great artists, and many others besides.
Ultimately the album captures what the Party is all about – why musicians come from all over Europe, the USA and even Australia to take part, and why dedicated fans return year after year.
Mike Durham's International Classic Jazz Party 