Papa Dip Feel The Jazz Vol 16: A Nostalgic Stroll Through Dixieland Bliss
If you’re a fan of that old-school jazz vibe, the kind that makes your feet tap before you even realize it, Papa Dip Feel The Jazz Vol 16 by Circus Square Jazz Band is an album worth spinning. Released in 1985 in the Netherlands under the Feel The Jazz label, this record brings the energy of Dixieland jazz straight to your ears—and maybe even your soul.
The band’s lineup reads like a who’s who of talented cats, with Jan Van Hulten pulling double duty on cornet and trumpet while also handling arrangements, mixing, and mastering. Hats off to him for wearing so many hats without dropping a single one! You’ve got Paul Beljaars keeping the rhythm tight on drums and washboard (yes, washboard—don’t act like you don’t love that sound), and Noël Poyck bringing his trombone chops and vocals to the mix. Speaking of vocals, Jean Kittrell’s liner notes add some extra personality to the package—it feels like someone sat down over coffee to tell you about these tunes personally.
Now let’s talk tracks. There are twelve songs here, but I’ll focus on two standouts because ain’t nobody got time to dive into all of them. First up: “Mobile Stomp.” Man, this track just grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, wake up!” From the opening notes, it’s clear the band knows how to swing. The interplay between Jan Van Gaalen’s clarinet and Noël Poyck’s trombone gives this tune its edge—it’s playful yet sharp, like a musical game of tag. And when the sousaphone from Paul Zelders jumps in? Forget it. It’s impossible not to smile.
Then there’s “I’m Confessin’,” which flips the mood entirely. This one slows things down and lets Bert Janssen’s piano take center stage. His playing is smooth as butter—you can practically hear the smoky bar where this might’ve been recorded. Noël Poyck’s vocals add a layer of heartache that sticks with you long after the song ends. If you’ve ever had a moment of regret or longing, this track will hit you right in the feels.
One thing that struck me about this album is how alive it sounds. Sure, it was made in 1985, but it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. Instead, it feels timeless, like something you’d stumble across at a vintage record shop and immediately want to share with friends. Plus, props to Wil Raymakers for the design and layout crew like Noël Poyck himself for making the cover pop—it’s got that classic jazz vibe without trying too hard.
Here’s the kicker, though: listening to this album feels like stepping into another world, one where life moves slower and music means more. But honestly? My favorite part wasn’t any specific song—it was realizing how much joy this band must’ve had making this together. That kind of passion is contagious. So do yourself a favor: grab a copy of Papa Dip Feel The Jazz Vol 16, pour yourself a drink, and let the good times roll. Just don’t blame me if you start humming “Mobile Stomp” for days—it’s catchy as heck.
