Shake That Thing

by Matt CollarFeaturing an expanded lineup of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Shake That Thing is a joyous celebration of over 40 years of New Orleans jazz tradition. Adding such New Orleans jazz luminaries as trumpeter Leroy Jones, clarinetist Dr. Michael White, and drummer Shannon Powell, the band powers through several standards and traditional tunes that easily rate as some of the most raucous, funky, and happy tracks to come out of Preservation Hall. From Don Vappie's patois vocals on "Eh la Bas" to the gospel-meets-street beat of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," most of the various New Orleans musical styles are covered here. This is relevant, rootsy jazz that deserves to be heard well beyond the confines of the institution it sprang from.