Midnight In Moscow – KENNY BALL***

Midnight In Moscow/Tin Roof Blues/My Mother’s Eyes/Big Noise From Winnetka/Yes She Do No She Don’t/ Puttin’ On The Ritz/American Patrol/Dark Eyes/You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby/Savoy Blues/High Society

Kenny Ball was a regular visitor to the British singles chart during the period 1961-63 with his upbeat infectious trad jazz releases. However, Midnight In Moscow was an international hit single reaching No. 2 in both the US and UK, propelling the accompanying album to a decent chart placing in the States. (US:13)

“Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen were a British group and they are very good. They played Dixieland music (called trad in Britain), and had a lot of experience with this music despite their foreign roots. Their biggest hit was Midnight In Moscow, but most of their other pieces are quite good too. Personally, I prefer this British group to most of the American ones - including those based in New Orleans - because they play shorter solos and do more ensemble playing than is typical in the US.”

“I like every song I've ever heard by Kenny Ball, and this album is no exception. His band plays authentic sounding Dixieland jazz, with banjo instead of guitar, and the songs tend to be lively, technically proficient, and have tasteful solos. Midnight In Moscow, with its haunting minor key sound, was a big hit single in 1962.”

“When you hear the group start into Midnight In Moscow, you know something quite unique is afoot. It's the infectious energy that the Brits pour into their work and Ball's trademark bell-like trumpet sound, is uncannily always spot-on. Hearing this odd treatment of the sadly beautiful Russian folk melody... well, it works! It was and is magic.”

“You don't find the long obligatory solos that so often mar Dixieland performances. There are short solos here and they are brilliant. Ball and the band are unique in the way they just get together and cook. It's hard not to get involved. I especially like their cover of tunes that are not the traditional Dixie fare.”

“This is an instant mood elevator. Smashing, original and utterly delightful, which captures the joyful quality of New Orleans jazz, even though it's not from New Orleans. Put this music on and dance. It's rich, endlessly varied, fresh and even a little sweet - and packed with glorious energy. Can't recommend it enough. When you're listening to this, you're on Bourbon Street no matter where you are.”