An important trombonist in the Dixieland/New Orleans jazz world since he played with
Al Hirt in the 1950s,
Bob Havens was part of the band on the Lawrence Welk Show for 22 years, usually being featured on the occasional Dixieland numbers. However there is nothing corny about
Havens' playing, which is inspired by
Jack Teagarden and the more technically skilled New Orleans players. On
Back Home in New Orleans,
Havens and a top-notch septet perform tunes that mostly date from the 1920s, though "Rosa Is Her Name" and "When The Bloom Is on the Sage" are of more recent vintage.
Havens takes occasional vocals but it is his trombone playing that is of greatest interest. The uncredited arrangements for the group are also excellent, alternating solo space with arranged and jammed ensembles. Trumpeter
Connie Jones (sometimes purposely hinting at
Bix Beiderbecke) and the reeds of
Tom Fischer and the relatively unknown
Otis Bazoon are well featured. Such warhorses as "Old Man River," "Louisiana," and "Wolverine Blues" are played with some fresh ideas and subtle surprises. A fine outing.