CD
The Louisiana Shakers
Making Runs P.E.K. Sound: PKCD192

JUST JAZZ England 
the Traditional Jazz magazine
September 2002
Issue No. 53
Editor Mike Murtagh

Two points to make first: this splendid band isn't from Louisiana and unless I'm mistaken, they aren't part of a religious sect - but they are one of Australia's leading groups playing in 'down home' New Orleans style and have a relaxed approach that should be the envy of many a European jazzer.  They make an annual trip to Europe (this year was the seventh, I believe) and seem to gain in popularity every tour.

The title track has the ring of Australia's national sport about it but in fact is based on Bunk Johnson's whistled recollections for Bill Russell of a number played by Buddy Bolden.  Lindsay Goes Bananas is a version of Kid Thomas Boogie Woogie and as Horace Harris' admirable sleeve notes state, gets 'a severe workout' from Lindsay Meech, a dynamic hornman who comes from New Zealand.  L.O.V.E., a Bert Kaempfert tune, ideally suits the band's more lyrical mood and includes a pensive middle-register solo from Meech and mellow, gruff trombone from Charlie Powell.  I particularly enjoyed the sympathetic clarinet of Nick Polites, whose unpretentious work follows in the Burbank tradition - and is a perfect example of a timeless stylist who improves with the years. He first visited the UK with the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band in the early 60s.

Leader Ashley Keating also came over in the 60s, was first heard here with the Gothic Jazz Band and has that rare ability of using the neglected tenor banjo tastefully as a supportive instrument.  Drummer Kevin Bolton clearly understands the New Orleans beat and blends well with Andy Ross' unobtrusive bass lines.  As Harris points out, this band, formed in 1994 'has a rapport that only comes with close association over a period of time'.  You can certainly feel it here, with the inner cohesion and ensemble work contained in every song.

We also get a good mixture of favourites and lesser-known numbers, giving a dance hall feel at club length. Anytime is a perfect example and a joy to listen to.  Plenty of drive here but none of the frantic 'trad' approach.  This is music played by true devotees.  Highly recommended!  Congrats to P.E.K. Sound once again for a prestige, well-balanced addition to their catalogue.

Mike Pointon
Reprinted courtesy of Just Jazz England

CD
The Louisiana Shakers
Making Runs P.E.K. Sound: PKCD192

The JAZZ GAZETTE Belgium
August/September Issue 2002

The Louisiana Shakers play this music like it should be played.  No fancy solos or grandstanding, no playing for the gallery.  Horace Meunier Harris says it in his excellent liner notes: "Their philosophy is to go back to basics."

All band members have a longstanding association with this music and most of them visited New Orleans several times to study with the pioneers.  I don't mean to say that a trip to New Orleans is a necessity to be able to play the music right, but it sure helps... There's a lot of experience here, and it shows!

Most interesting is the inclusion of Making Runs, a nameless tune Bunk whistled and played for Bill Russell when he was talking about Buddy Bolden.  It's a catchy little ditty and one wonders why it isn't played more often.  It makes a nice start for this fine CD.  It has some fine ensembles and good solos by clarinet and trombone.  L.O.V.E. is taken at a relaxed medium tempo and is one of my favourite tracks on this disc.  Listen to the exquisite comments the trombone makes behind the trumpet solo before making his own statement.

Another favourite for me is the slow blues I Got Drunk Last Night Baby sung by Lindsay Meech with fitting obbligatos from Nick Polites and Charlie Powell. Nick plays some fine blues clarinet reminding me of Albert Burbank and Charlie's trombone moans.  His plaintive bringing in of The Old Rugged Cross is just beautiful.  After a subdued ensemble, Nick makes an eloquent statement followed by Lindsay and Charlie who share the next chorus.  The latter sings Paul Barbarin's The Second Line with great accents from Kevin Bolton reminding me of the composer of the tune.

A band led by a banjo player could lead to endless solos on this instrument.  Not here!  Ashley Keating is just happy with providing the right accompaniment all the time, a model of good taste and unselfishness.

The Shakers have acquired hordes of followers during their six tours in Europe. If you're one of them you won't need my recommendation to add this CD to your collection. If not, give them a try. They sure deserve it. You'll get almost 70 minutes of well recorded, genuine New Orleans music.

Marcel Joly
Reprinted courtesy of THE JAZZ GAZETTE Belgium

CD
The Louisiana Shakers
Making Runs P.E.K. Sound: PKCD192

JUST JAZZ England 
the Traditional Jazz magazine
June 2002
Issue No. 50
Editor Mike Murtagh

The Louisiana Shakers keep the spirit of New Orleans jazz alive

Hi, I'm Geoff Gilbert, founder and leader of The Gothic Jazz Band in London in the 1960s and founder and leader of The Harbour City Jazz Band in Sydney from the late 1960s to 2001.  I moved to, and now live in, the historic French Quarter of New Orleans in August 2001.

Ashley Keating took over the leadership of The Gothic Jazz Band in 1964 when I returned to Australia.  He returned to Australia in the 1970s and formed The Louisiana Shakers in 1994 in Melbourne.

I have just received the latest CD of The Louisiana Shakers, its title, Making Runs, a tune attributed to Buddy Bolden and whistled by Bunk Johnson to Bill Russell in 1942 as an example of what kind of music Buddy Bolden played. This CD has remained on my player for over two weeks now and I keep playing it.

I suppose it sounds strange as I write this in New Orleans that I wish The Louisiana Shakers were here for me to go and listen to.  But the fact is that this kind of music can seldom be heard here and I yearn for it.  However, it's good to hear that the music is still alive and  kicking and in the capable hands of The Louisiana Shakers.  Go and see them on their up-coming tour and buy the CD.  You won't regret it.

Geoff Gilbert
New Orleans
Reprinted courtesy of Just Jazz England