Stephen's CD: 8 1/2 Souvenirs "Happy Feet"

For some time in high school and college, I subscribed to CMJ New Music Monthly Magazine, valued not only because its reviews mandatorily suggested other similar artists for every album reviewed, but for the compilation CD that came with each issue. Although the magazines are long gone, the CDs still sit, just to my right as I type this, in their paper slipcases. I often have intended a purging of these items from my life (after, of course, making digital copies of the songs from each that are worth having). In fact, they have been migrated to a more conspicuous position for precisely this reason [see photo at right].

However, it is not these compilation CDs that I wish to write about.

Rather, it is the 8 1/2 Souvenirs' album "Happy Feet," which occupies at the moment the second slot of my alphabetized CD collection. Although I cannot prove it with certainty, I believe that I was tipped off to the swinging jazz sounds of the Austin-based Souvenirs by the appearance of "Happy Feet" on one of said compilations. I purchased the album in the flurry of excitement marking the late-90s revival of swing, big band and lounge, although listening to it now, it stands quite apart from the rest of the zoot-suit crowd.

The album is more "hot jazz" than the bulk of the other 2nd-wave swingsters' material, full of improvised solos and skillful playing on everyone's part, especially French-born guitarist Oliver Giraud. The single "Happy Feet" features Crysta Bell's vocals, which are sometimes more suited to the song than otherwise, although Giraud himself provides some rather pleasant French vocals on some of the tunes.

Although certainly a product of the retro impulses of the late 90s, this album actually still stands as a sincerely produced and played hot jazz album (even if it does skirt novelty at times, one might suggest that this was the case of much vocal jazz even in its original heyday in the 1920s-30s). Also, the CD also includes a version of "Brazil," a song that my obsession with the film Brazil nearly requires a positive reception on my part. Plus, at least two kazoo solos!

Rating: 8 1/2 out of 10 (alas, the CD is imprisoned in a jewel case)

Shall I keep it? Yes, I shall, as it is one of the few CDs that fits nearly any mood. Stephen_, StephenCD_