By pumping up the beat on the sound of traditional New Orleans funeral and second-line parade bands, and injecting it with doses of
soul,
funk and
bop,
the Dirty Dozen Brass Band (the group is actually an octet) has almost single-handedly revitalized the genre for the 21st century. This fun compilation collects highlights from the group's 1987 to 1993 stay at Columbia Records, sticking pretty much to the
Dirty Dozen's more energetic (thus "hot") material, including "Remember When" and a wonderful version of
Jelly Roll Morton's "Jungle Blues."
Dizzy Gillespie contributes both his trumpet and a joyful
scat vocal to "Ooh Pop a Duh,"
Branford Marsalis guests on
Charlie Parker's "Moose the Mooche,"
Dr. John brings some soulful voodoo to a cover of
Bobby Womack's "It's All Over Now," and
Elvis Costello contributes a lead vocal to "That's How You Got Killed Before." Throughout the pace is steady and lively, never falling to less than a mid-tempo bounce, making this a wonderful left-field dance party album. Devoted fans will already have everything here, but novice listeners will find Jazz Moods: Hot an ideal and energetic introduction to
DDBB. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
