Jazz Keeps You Young

by Spiegle Willcox

Overview

Spiegel Willcox, who was 91 at the time of this 1994 recording, is probably the oldest trombonist ever on record. Despite the passing of over 60 years since his original decision to retire in 1927, Willcox (who returned to active playing in 1975) has a style that is essentially unchanged from the early days. By 1994, his technique may have slipped slightly, but he was still a pretty strong player with an appealing sound. For this exuberant date, Willcox was in Amsterdam and teamed with some excellent Dutch trad players: trumpeter Menno Daams, Robert Veen on tenor, alto and clarinet, pianist Joep Peeters, bassist Adric Braat and drummer Louis Deby with clarinetist Pim Gras guesting on "If I Had You." Although none of the sidemen display immediately recognizable sounds or innovative styles, they all prove to be excellent musicians who fit well into the Dixieland-flavored mainstream music. The leader has four good-natured vocals; his voice is raspy but listenable, although one really cannot buy his version of "Just a Gigolo." Meanwhile, Peeters scats effectively on "Somebody Stole My Gal." Highlights include "My Gal Sal," "That Old Green River," "When I Grow Too Old to Dream," "I Cried For You" and "Summertime," but all 15 selections are enjoyable. Spiegel Willcox, who on the cover photo looks like he is in early sixties, is in remarkably fine form for his age. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	10/14/1994
Label:	Challenge Records
UPC:	8712604700157
Rank:	256952

Tracks

1. Ham and Eggs
2. September Song
3. My Gal Sal
4. It's the Talk of the Town
5. I've Been Floating Down That Old Green River
6. At Sundown
7. When I Grow Too Old to Dream
8. Somebody Else Is Taking My Place
9. I Cried For You
10. Somebody Stole My Gal
11. Summertime
12. June Night
13. Just a Gigolo
14. If I Had You
15. Over the Waves

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Spiegle Willcox   Primary Artist,Vocals,Trombone
Robert Veen   Clarinet,Saxophone
Joep Peeters   Piano,Vocals
Adrie Braat   Bass
Louis de By   Drums

Technical Credits

Joe Cooper   Composer
Bob Ellsworth   Composer
Chris Weeda   Mixing
Cliff Friend   Composer
Russ Morgan   Composer
Walter Donaldson   Composer
George Gershwin   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
Leonello Casucci   Composer
DuBose Heyward   Composer
Leo Wood   Composer
Dick Howard   Composer
Julius Brammer   Composer
Marty Symes   Composer
Richard Howard   Composer
Reginald Connelly   Composer
Abel Baer   Composer
Abe Lyman   Composer
Arthur Freed   Composer
Al J. Neiburg   Composer
Danny Barker   Composer
Kurt Weill   Composer
Sigmund Romberg   Composer
Irving Caesar   Composer
Chris Ellis   Producer
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Jerry Livingston   Composer
Gus Arnheim   Composer
A.B. Dejong   Production Coordination
Robert Veen   Arranger
Maxwell Anderson   Composer
Juventino Rosas   Composer
Jimmy Campbell   Composer
Paul Dresser   Composer
Ted Shapiro   Composer