Johnette Downing, Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band - Dixieland Jazz for Children (2007)

Vocalist Johnette Downing and fellow New Orleans native Jimmy LaRocca (son of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band's Nick LaRocca) joined forces on this Dixieland CD targeted at children. But rather than rehash old and familiar material, they chose to focus on original music and lyrics. They manage to capture the flavor of New Orleans in their music, particularly with "Alligator Snap," "It's Time for Mardi Gras," and "Throw Me Something Mister." In addition, they revisit Nick LaRocca's time-tested "Tiger Rag," which has become a staple of several styles of jazz, while updating its lyrics a bit. The band includes clarinetist Tom Fischer (a favorite on the jazz party circuit), trombonist Ben Smith, and LaRocca on trumpet and vocals in the front line, all of whom do a commendable job. Parents and grandparents interested in Dixieland jazz will definitely enjoy sharing this consistently swinging music with their youngsters, while having a band take the time to contribute new works to the Dixieland repertoire proves rather refreshing, as opposed to yet another album filled with golden but tired oldies.