The Houdini's - Live at Kiama Jazz Festival Australia (2021)

The Houdini's, who can be quite rambunctious, mostly play it straight on this live set. The music and solos are excellent, falling into the area of modern hard bop and occasionally stretching its boundaries. But although these remakes of "Gone" and "Kickin' in the Front Window" are fine, the music is not as extroverted nor as exciting as some of the Houdini's' slightly earlier studio dates. Even with its spirited and soulful moments, the music is a bit tame, although successful on a conventional level. But one would expect much more from songs with titles such as "Single Breath Orgy," "Don't Abuse Our Patience," and "Too Heavy to Carry!" ~ Scott Yanow