Ricky Alexander - Just Found Joy
(Turtle Bay Records, 2024)
Ricky Alexander is steeped in the jazz tradition of Sidney Bechet. He is a traditionalist of the generation that spawned Jon-Erik Kellso, Joe McDonough, and Martina DaSilva. He records for the newest traditional record label, Turtle Bay. This rugged old music has a new group of flame keepers. Alexander has released two previous recordings, I’m In Love Again (Turtle Bay, 2021), with vocalist Sweet Meg, and Strike Up The Band (Outside In, 2019), both featuring vintage music of the 1920s and ‘30s.
Just Found Joy features a cross-section of early jazz, including a faithful updating of Jelly Roll Morton’s “King Porter Stomp” and a romping reading of Cole Porter’s “Just One Of Those Things.” Alexander is joined by the talented upstart, Vanisha Gould, whose Life’s A Gig (Fresh Sound Records, 2024) turned many heads. She is featured on “Sweet Lorraine,” “It Had To Be You,” “Fine And Dandy,” and lilting “Spring Is Here.” Jon-Erik Kellso contributes his tart cornet and guitarist Brennen Ernst his plectrum charms. This old music will continue to delight with the likes of Ricky Alexander playing.