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The Norwegian band really has the Clarence Williams sound down, but they are not exclusively tied to his music. In fact, of the 13 vintage songs that they perform on their CD, only two (“Gravier Street Blues” and “Cushion Foot Stomp”) are from Williams’ repertoire.
The Louisiana Washboard Five performs fresh and lively versions of such tunes as “Parkway Stomp,” “China Boy,” “Crazy Rhythm,” “Clarinet Marmalade” and the title cut which was recorded by Benny Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra in 1930. The solos are spirited and very much in the 1920s style, the ensembles are frequently rousing, and the Louisiana Washboard Five creates a set of music that will certainly make lovers of early jazz smile. This is a band well worth discovering.