Lavay Smith- One Hour Mama

This is Lavay Smith's debut album, which was released 1996. I actually have no recollection of buying it, and haven't a clue what it's like, so this review will be a journey for us all!

Oo Poppa Do kicks things off very nicely, thanks to a solid performance of a catchy little tune. Similarly, Blue Skies is a favourite of mine. In particular, I always enjoy the chord progression in the chorus.

But throughout the album, the horn section somehow doesn't fit. Even aside from their awkward intrusions in New Blowtop Blues and Going To Chicago Blues, I find they are in a world of their own somehow. Maybe it's to do with the recording quality (the muffled high-pitched sounds is present on all instruments, but seems to affect the horns more), I don't know.

Unfortunately, the blues songs don't resonate with me, and- as usual- I find the post-war swing style (And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine) to be shallow and soulless. What's The Matter With You shows great promise in its opening, but it turns out to be a letdown, because the piano-driven boogie-woogie goodness only appears in small doses.

Favourite songs

Oo Poppa Do, Blue Skies

Worthwhile?

This review is probably sounding harsher than I intended. While there are some minor gripes, in general it's a solid execution of some swing/jazz classics. So, although I don't find it particularly engaging, it would work perfectly well as background music.