Jake Leg Jug Band
Album: Everythin's Jake
Label: Fellside
Tracks: 15
Website: http://www.thejakelegjugband.com

Step back to the Roaring Twenties and the Saucy Thirties with this toe-tapping band from Stoke-On-Trent.

Not content with producing a smashing debut album the Jake Leg Jug Band have produced an equally wonderful second album. But this time around they have stretched the boundaries to include two Gospel songs, a song from The Carter Family, and a 1920's big band number.

The innuendo count is pretty high as well with songs such as Kitchen Man, I Ain't No Iceman and Get 'Em From the Peanut Man.

Throughout what shines through is the expert musicianship and superb arrangements. This is no more evident than on a stunning Beaumont Rag, with Andy Anderson on mandolin and Neil Hulse on guitar interweaving seamlessly. Lovely playing.

With 15 tracks there something for everyone as band members share out the vocal duties. Particularly fine is Ester Brennan's Farewell Daddy Blues. Who Rolled the Stone Away, one of the Gospel tunes, allows the band to show off their harmonies to great effect. Duncan Wilcox on double bass and vocals and Purcy Harmonica complete the band line-up. Mike Pembroke contributes trombone on many tracks.

Once again the band have stuck to traditional recording methods, using ribbon microphones to capture a warmer sound.

The CD is beautifully packaged with excellent liner notes and instrument information.

A great effort all round. If you like blues, ragtime, gospel and old-time music then check these guys out.

John Knighton