Album Review: "1st Throw" by The Dice Of Dixie Crew
Alright, let’s talk about 1st Throw by The Dice Of Dixie Crew. This jazz album is a lively mix of Dixieland and Big Band vibes, bringing together musicians from Switzerland and Germany under the in-akustik label. It’s like stepping into a smoky 1920s speakeasy but with crisp modern production—thanks to engineer Carlos Albrecht and producer Alex Manninger (who also handled the photography, multitasking wizard!).
Now, I’m not gonna lie—this record has some real gems. Two tracks stuck out for me: “China Boy” and “Dr. Jazz.” Let’s break it down.
“China Boy” kicks things off with this infectious energy that just grabs you by the ears. Wolfgang Trattner’s trumpet work here? Unreal. Paired with Jörn Pfenning’s clarinet solos, it feels like they’re having a musical conversation where no one wants to stop talking. And Klaus Steckeler on tuba? Dude holds the whole thing together like glue while still sneaking in these little funky riffs. You can’t help but tap your feet—it’s impossible.
Then there’s “Dr. Jazz,” which is basically an anthem for anyone who loves classic jazz. Joe Gallardo’s trombone slides are so smooth, it’s like butter melting over toast. Hermann Bruderhofer adds vocals on this track too, and honestly, his voice gives it this old-school charm that makes you feel like you’re at a live gig instead of listening through headphones. Plus, Jörg Gebhardt’s drumming keeps everything tight without stealing the spotlight. It’s just… fun. Like, proper grin-on-your-face fun.
The rest of the album doesn’t disappoint either. Tracks like “Wolverine Blues” and “After You’ve Gone” keep the momentum going, blending intricate arrangements with raw emotion. Pfenning clearly knows how to arrange stuff because every instrument gets its moment to shine without feeling cluttered.
One thing that surprised me? How fresh this all sounds despite being rooted in traditional styles. Maybe it’s the mix of Swiss precision and German flair—or maybe it’s just that these guys genuinely love what they’re doing. Either way, it works.
So yeah, if you’re into jazz or just want something upbeat to brighten your day, give 1st Throw a spin. Honestly, I didn’t expect banjo player Hermann Bruderhofer to double as a vocalist, but hey, life’s full of surprises, right? Kinda like finding out your neighbor secretly plays saxophone.
Final thought: Listening to this album made me realize we need more tuba solos in modern music. Just saying.
