Sidewalk Blues (7:34)
I'm Confessin' (4.53)
The Chant (3:24)
East St. Louis Toodle-oo (5:46)
Avalon (5:22)
Singin' the Blues (5:27)
Tia Juana (4:56)
Four Or Five Times (5:09)
Wa Wa Wa (4:40)
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (4:37)
 High Society (4:13)
 Trouble In Mind (6:01)
 Concentratin' On You (3:47)
 That's You, Baby (3:45)
 Diga Diga Doo (5:21)

To Order Contact Dulie Greer at: duliegreer@aol.com

Classic Jazz Stompers
Rough Winds and Darling Buds
By Ronald L. Gable
Wow!  My first impression after listening to just a few of the fifteen songs on a new CD, delivered to my office by a messenger from Dave Greer’s law firm.  I had heard from a friend of mine that this was their best yet and I totally agree.  Dave Greer aside from being one of Dayton’s leading attorneys is one of the fine gentlemen of jazz.  He has been leading his band, the Classic Jazz Stompers and expounding on the history of their chosen style of music from bandstands in our area and on occasion throughout the world.

The title of the new CD is “Rough Winds and Darling Buds, which according to the liner notes has something to do with “Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18.”  Elsewhere in the notes we find “The Classic Jazz Stompers have been adding their spirit and energy to classic jazz and hot dance music of the 20’s and 30’s for over twenty years.  They can currently be found every Wednesday night from 7:30 to 11:30pm in a beautiful setting at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton, Ohio.”

To me a CD plays second fiddle to a live performance most every time but in this case the quality put out by Lausche Recording Studio is so good, coupled with the absence of audience distractions one can really experience the scope and talents of the art form being presented.  Having followed these nine dedicated players for a number of years and heard every song on this and their other three CDs many times I was blown over by this offering.  In addition to the vocals by regular band members they have included a special guest currently performing in New York City by the name of Barbara Rosene, who I must confess I’ve never heard before.  I found her voice to be a perfect blend of style and grace required for the music presented.

This is one of the finest bands in the land and if you’re able to listen to this new CD, it will bear proof of my statement.  If you read the liner note’s song descriptions you will gain an insight as to Greer’s knowledge and portrayal of the history of this music.  If you look at the cover art by band member, Greg Dearth, you will perceive the multi-talent and dedications of the band members.

There are many types and styles of jazz but if you really listen to this, these guys will win you over and at the same time give you a glimpse of how our beloved jazz came about.

Contact Ron Gable at papajazz@earthlink.net
 to check out the possibilities for your CD review and/or liner notes.