1929

It is constantly amazing how many old-time bands are around today. From gutter punks busking on the streets of New Orleans to professional obsessives who closely study 78 recordings from the 20s, it seems there is a huge upsurge in North American musicians who want to play music that, for a long time, was valued only by the likes of The Cheap Suit Serenaders and ardent collectors. Canada’s Sheesham & Lotus & Son play sousaphone, banjos, kazoos, fiddles and harmonica, dress the part and infuse every song with a huge enthusiasm. But it’s hard to get enthusiastic about this album. Recorded live with a single microphone, it may have recreated recording conditions of the 20s, but the sound is muddy. Early recording technology was indeed limited, but it could still capture a dynamic performance: many early recordings are diamond-sharp. Furthermore, it’s just too busy. While they are doubtless great fun in concert, on CD the incessant kazoo blowing and uptempo stomping quickly grows wearying.