GJB 8/11/018 was recorded in concert on August 11, 2018 at Music Mountain with special guests Jeff Barnhart on piano and vocals and trombonist Craig Grant along with Fred Vigorito on cornet, Russ Whitman on clarinet and saxophones, Art Hovey on bass and tuba, Bob Bequillard on drums, and Linda Vigorito's narration. Jeff was with us on our first Music Mountain concert in the summer of 1992 (and has the cassette to prove it) so this was actually our 27th annual summer concert there. The program this time featured music composed by or associated with Thomas "Fats" Waller.

To hear sample tracks in MP3 format click on "Black and Blue" and "This Joint is Jumping" in the tune list below:

Reviewer Joe Bebco had this to say about the CD in the December 2018 issue of the Syncopated Times:

The Galvanized Jazz Band has been together for 47 years and many of them were over a decade into playing Dixieland already when the band formed. Among the dozens of frequent and famous guests the band has hosted Jeff Barnhart stands out as a friend to the band.

The GJB has played a summer concert at Music Mountain for 27 years running. Jeff Barnhart was with them at the very first on in 1992 and he was with them again this August.

Music Mountain, in Falls Village, Connecticut, has been hosting a summer chamber music series for 99 years. They liven up their offerings with Dixieland from the GJB and other opportunities for jazz performers.

At this show the GJB is guest trombonist Craig Grant along with Fred Vigorito on cornet, Russ Whitman on clarinet and saxophones, Art Hovey on bass and tuba, and Bob Bequillard on drums. Linda Vigorito narrates the show, which was a tribute to the music of Fats Waller.

The Waller theme gives Barnhart a chance to stretch his fingers and he keeps the band rolling while providing welcome vocals on a number of the familiar tunes on display. The show is piano-led but the band responds in kind with hot brass and steady rhythms to please every ear. I'm a sucker for a tuba solo and Art Hovey nails it.

The sound is clear and the audience respectful. The narration grabs your attention between tracks and gives you the feeling of having a table up front. Highlights include vocals on Lulu's Back in Town and a beautiful instrumental version of Black and Blue.

The GJB are no strangers to recording; www.galvanizedjazz.com features 28 currently available CDs from the band and a number that are no longer in print. Conveniently, there is a master song list to help you find one with your favorites.