Carolyn Packer’s Stompin’ Rhythm Aces | Sweet Substitute

This is the second album by Carolyn Packer’s Stompin’ Rhythm Aces. Like the first album, There’ll be some changes made, this one threads traditional blues and jazz sounds with a driving swing, bringing a freshness and vitality to each song.

Carolyn Packer’s unmistakable style on the piano and vocals pay homage to the blues and jazz music that is at the core of this album. Greg Englert’s wonderful composition, “My little sweetheart”, along with his rendition of “Only you”, bring forth Louis Armstrong’s unique vocal style and daring trumpet. David Ridyard’s haunting reeds weave magically through the tracks in an early New Orleans style that is rarely heard today, and Cameron Jones’ gypsy jazz guitar contributes a spice and richness to the mix. Ed Rapo and Jimmy Fletcher on bass and drums form the band’s rhythmic backbone, encapsulating the driving swing that makes audiences jump and dance.

This is the band’s second time recording at Electric Avenue Studios. Sound Engineer, Phil Punch, has once again masterfully captured the live spontaneity inherent in the bands music while giving it space to breathe and room to groove.