Bryan Shaw - Night Owl (2000)

Trumpeter Bryan Shaw should be well-known in the trad/swing world, but his decision long ago to settle in Los Angeles and help raise a family, playing at Disneyland and with local Dixieland bands, has kept him fairly anonymous. However, his classmate trombonist Dan Barrett persuaded Shaw to record for Arbors, and the results are so strong that Shaw seems destined to gain at least a little bit of the fame he deserves. Shaw is joined by Barrett (who, in addition to his trombone, contributes quite a few colorful arrangements), Brian Ogilvie on clarinet and tenor, altoist Chuck Wilson, Scott Robinson on baritone, tenor, and clarinet, and a top-notch rhythm section. Added pluses are two vocals by Rebecca Kilgore and one by banjoist Eddie Erickson. The music ranges from Dixielandish to modern swing with several of the songs dating in style from the mid-'40s. "Snafu," which has Louis Armstrong's original solo harmonized for the band, and the trumpet-piano duet by Shaw and Dave Frishberg on "Body and Soul" are among the many highlights. Highly recommended.~ Review by Scott Yanow