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The Firehouse gang is clearly having a lot of fun playing a mix of "sea-related" songs. Fun and, as always, well played.
The clowning which was so prevalent in early Firehouse Five Plus Two performances gets onto this recording in between the songs, and occasionally into the music itself. Bodies splash into the sea, foghorns blast, and George Probert's soprano sax sends a plaintive SOS. As usual, many of the tunes are not traditional Dixieland fare: "The Good Ship Lollipop," "Minnie the Mermaid," and "Many Brave Hearts Lie Asleep in the Deep," for example. But the group gives them all the full Firehouse Five Plus Two treatment, and a wonderful time is had by all.
This re-issue is a classic. The Fire House Five Plus Two was simply a hobby. "Minnie The Mermaid", The Good Ship Lollipop", "When My Dreamboat Comes Home" are all wonderful. This album was recorded in 1956 and 57 and features Ward Kimball, Ralph Ball, Dick Roberts, George Probert and Eddie Forrest, all former workers with Walt Disney as animation artists. These guys were great as musicians and entertainers. If You want an experience in GOOD DIXIELAND JAZZ this is it.
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