With far less room for improvisation than in contemporary Jazz, it becomes vitally important that the band be as tight as possible because that's what's going to hold the audience's attention without spectacular solos. That the rhythm section is as interesting as they are tight in the Jazz O'Maniacs was one of their big attractions to me. As the tuba always seems to come in for a good bit of ridicule, it's easy to forget just how effective it can be at maintaining a beat, and how much fun it can be to listen to.
In the end that's what makes the Jazz O'Maniacs work so well where others just tend to sound tedious playing the same type of music. They are obviously having such a good time, and loving what they are doing, that as an audience member you can't help but be affected and get carried along with them.
If you are a fan of old style, almost Dixieland Jazz, and appreciate good solid musicianship as played by people who love what they do, than Sunset Café Stomp is the DVD for you. As is usual for all of Delmark's releases the sound is suitable for all systems; regular stereo, 5.1 surround sound, and dts. The special features are limited, but there is a nice interview with the current family member who owns Meyers Hardware and Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs as they discuss the historical significance of Meyers Ace Hardware and its location in terms of the history of Jazz in the city.
There is something really cool about seeing a group of German Jazz musicians setting up to play the music of Louis Armstrong in the middle of a hardware store in downtown Chicago. Music really does seem to cross all boundaries and make neighbours out of strangers.
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