When these live performances occurred two decades ago, Thomas was 77 years old and Nelson was 71. Playing thousands of miles from home, with musicians several generations their junior, they retained the stirring powers that rocked the “jitney” halls of Algiers half a century ago. The vintage tunes on the programme, now considered standards, were the popular songs of their youth. They had probably played them hundreds of times, yet their music retains a fresh and exciting quality – the heart of New Orleans jazz.
Kid Thomas Valentine (tp); Louis Nelson (tb); Søren Sørensen (ts); Erik Hansen/ John Marks (p); Niels Richard Hansen (Bjo); Derek Cook (b); Keith Minter (d).
Recorded between 1972 and 1974
Algiers Strut
Chiribiribin
Moonligt And Roses
Who’s Sorry Now
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
Linger Awhile
Yellow Dog Blues
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Marie
Over The Waves
Somebody Stole My Gal
I’m Glad For Your Sake
Darktown Strutters Ball