Eddie Erickson - Fast Eddie: On Easy Street (2008)

Fast Eddie Erickson has become a favorite over the years at the annual Triangle Jazz Party in Kingsport, TN, due to his vaudeville gags and appreciation for novelty songs. Although his recordings as a leader are infrequent, this 1992 release is one of his best efforts, concentrating on a lot of early standards that have fallen out of favor. Joined by cornetist Jackie Coon, the late Rick Fay on reeds, and the extraordinary yet underrated pianist Johnny Varro, Erickson's banjo playing and friendly vocal highlight "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll," which also has brief solos by Coon and tuba player Lee Westendorfer. A masterful duet with Coon of "Lou-easy-an-i-a also has a vocal by the leader (along with a second uncredited singer). He switches to guitar for the long-overlooked "Easy Street" and does a nice job with Willard Robison's long-forgotten "Pigeon-Toed Joad." This off-the-beaten-track release is worth acquiring.~ Review by Ken Dryden

For this first album of his own Eddie, a virtuoso banjo player, has selected a balanced program of dixieland warhorses, lovely forgotten songs, a couple of nutty novelties and solid swing standards.

"Fast Eddie Ericksons debut album is a dandy ..."-Richard Hadlock, critic, radio host and author of Jazz Masters of the Twenties.

Personnel:
Eddie Erickson: Banjo/Guitar
Jackie Coon: Cornet
Rick Fay: Clarinet/Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
Johnny Varro: Piano
Gene Estes: Drums
Lee Westenhofer: Tuba