That's a Plenty

by Scott YanowTrumpeter Al Hirt is represented on relatively few CDs. This particular release finds him heading a septet that also features veteran clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, trombonist James Huggan and keyboardist Dave Zoller. The repertoire is typical Dixieland, along with an occasional swing ballad and a version of Hirt's famous hit "Java." The virtuoso trumpeter, who was 65 at the time, was still in prime form, swinging his way through "That's A Plenty," "Royal Garden Blues," "Bourbon Street Parade" and "The Saints" with flash and excitement.