Album Notes

The Original Wildcat Jass Band has produced a sure fire hit with their newest release, I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead (and other songs of encouragement, admiration and support). This extraordinary group of music professors and professional musicians/alumni from The University of Arizona will take you back in time to experience the hot jazz of the 1920s as played by jazz legends Luis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Many of the arrangements were carefully transcribed by the professors in a painstaking effort to create truly authentic renditions of some of the most classic jazz recordings in history. Thankfully, the Wildcats employ just enough interpretation to give these musical treasures their own indelible thumb print.

In addition to Armstrong and Morton, you’ll hear musical tributes to other American icons, such as, Bob Scobey, Clancy Hayes, and Irving Berlin. You’ll be amazed to find that they were singing about the same things almost a century ago as they are singing about today. And boy can these guys play! The front line of Martin Patfield (trumpet) Dr.Kelland Thomas (sax) and Rob Boon (trombone) offers a virtual clinic on improvisation both individually and as an ensemble. The rhythm section is locked in with Dr. Kelly Thomas (tuba) Dan Kruse (drums) and Rob Wright (banjo, lead vocals). Take a few moments to hear some samples of these marvelous new recordings and re-discover the amazing music of the hot jazz era.