When one identifies individual master jazz artists such as those in this group of six, put them together, result one great outfit.

A compact disc in 1994 was produced entitled - Storyville Jubilee 35’ SJB 940104 which comprised of various LPs, radio broadcasts and studio recordings of a famous Dutch band having had various changes in personnel that celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary - its name, the Storyville Jassband.

Here we have by popular demand a reissue of the band's work whose 20 years line-up has remained unchanged with its present musicians:

Personnel
Ruud Nieuwenhuijzen (cnt flg-hn vcls ldr); Wim de Jong (cl arrg); Peter van Ravenhorst (tmb); Jan Eikelenstam (bjo gtr); Hein van Rooijen (bs); Barend van der Schilden (drms).

Tracks
I Never Knew (What A Girl Could Do) * Careless Love * Beautiful Dreamer * Take Your Big Leg * Jamaica March * Bill Bailey * My Mother’s Eyes * Stevedore Stomp * Blue Turning Grey Over You * Wild Cat Blues * Pangs Of Love * Diga Diga Doo * Canzo de Nadal * Rent Party Blues * Deed I Do * New Orleans * Honeysuckle Rose * The Old Rugged Cross * When You’re Smiling.

Dates 1968-92; recording places, Arnhem; Heelsum; Beek-en-Donk; Hilversum; Leeuwarden and Monster.
Info: e-mail nieuwenhuijzen@hetnet.nl

One interesting facet in an album of this kind is that it encourages one to explore what has come about over its changes, the individual developments of its jazz artists giving an invaluable insight to its past, and I believe, that there is so much that we in England can learn from these recordings.

If we note the years 1968, 78, 83, 84, 91 and 92 and match them to the six venues mentioned (see also album notes) and assimilate them to the order of songs as they are listed on its sleeve, then what will follow is an intriguing exercise for one to undertake.

Each of the tunes in themselves is a work of art, which will bring different feelings and preferences to each percipient by choice.

The extensive improvisation on Honeysuckle Rose for the unfamiliar many of the tune, would if I called it ‘Storyville Rose’ offer no contradiction, descent or disbelief, as they would not know any difference.

I was struck by Careless Love a VARA radio broadcast by Nicky van Vlijmen from Hilversum 1984, the station listened to by several in England, who through it, became interested in jazz music, and the voice reminded me of Ottile Paterson singing with the Chris Barber band. I can then recall the first Reading jazz festival before Pop got hold of the venue and thereafter did itself proud at it.

The Hoagy Carmichael 1938 New Orleans classic is handled to great effect by the Jassband Arnhem group of 1978, here listed at number sixteen in the album. Another classic of note is Canzo de Nadal.

My favourites are: Beautiful Dreamer, Bill Bailey the latter having a five minutes run solo by the clarinettist, The Old Rugged Cross with the brilliance of flugelhorn first recorded at Leeuwarden, all give sheer delight.

The album ends on When You’re Smiling, one of a collection of choice jazz songs, played by masters of their craft to attract and illuminate a world of smiles.

Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Wednesday 17th of July 2002