Best known for her association with neo-troubadour Dan Hicks, vocalist Roberta Donnay has carved out her own niche, delving into pre-swing era material with her band of John R. Burr/p, Sam Bevan/b, Sheldon Brown/cl, Rich Armstrong/tp-ct, Mike Rinta/tb and Matt Baxter/g. This time around, she focuses on the revelatory music of Louis Armstrong, giving renditions but not imitations of his earth changing pieces.
Donnay’s voice can go from a boo boo bedoop Betty Boop on a late and lazy “That’s My Home” to a sweet and sly slur with Brown on “Sugar” with accompaniment by Browns’ slithery stick. Armstrong growls along with Donnay on “ Up a Lazy River” while Claiborne rumbles on “Ol’ Man Mose.” Donnay sighs with delight on “Pennies From Heaven” and is peppy on a two stepper with Rinta on “I’m A Ding Dong Daddy (From Dumas).” Best of all are her stripped down performances, as a trio take of “A Kiss To Build a Dream On” is a romantic delight and a duet with Burr on “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans has the two reclining in glorious melody. Donnay and company make nostalgia feel new.