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Eddie Condon always stood for freewheeling jazz. A decent rhythm guitarist who was skilled at setting tempos, Condon's main talents were as an organizer of performances and record dates. He had the knack for putting together large all-star groups and somehow managing to feature everyone within a short period of time. While his music was termed dixieland or Chicago jazz, it was really spontaneous classic jazz.
After he had become a big name and a regular attraction at Nick's in New York, Condon opened his club Eddie Condon's in 1945 to feature the music that he loved. It was said at the time that at Condon's “every night was like New Year's Eve.” The establishment lasted until 1958 when it lost its lease. The second Condon's was open from 1959-67 and in 1975 the third and final Condon's opened, lasting until 1985. Eddie Condon was not involved with the final Condon's which outlived him, but the style of music featured each night was similar to what he most enjoyed.
A Night At The New Eddie Condon's features the house band of the third Condon's in 1975. Rhythm guitarist Red Balaban (who switches to bass on three songs) was the bandleader. Balaban and trumpeter Ed Polcer were regulars at Condon's for the entire decade, keeping the music heated and swinging.
Also featured with the 1975 version of the dixielandish group are trombonist Vic Dickerson, clarinetist Herb Hall and a four-piece rhythm section. It is difficult to believe, while listening to this music, that the dominant movement in jazz at the time was fusion. These performances sound very much like as if it were still 1955, with colorful solos, explosive ensembles and an irresistible drive. Tunes such as “There'll Be Some Changes Made,” “After You've Gone,” “Royal Garden Blues” and “Fidgety Feet” may have been decades old but they sound fresh and new in these energetic and spirited versions. Ed Polcer in particular is the real spark plug of the band, taking solos that are full of enthusiasm.
Review
"Dixieland may have been out of style in 1975, but it was very much in vogue at Condon's. Fortunately a strong sampling was preserved for us to enjoy today."-Scott Yanow
"Rhythm guitarist and bassist Red balaban led the house band at the club Eddie Condon's in 1975. This historic and easily enjoyable set finds Balaban performing the type of freewheeling Dixieland jazz that one associates with Condon. Features are such notables as trumpeter Ed Polcer, trombonist Vic Dickenson and clarinetist Hereb Hall, performing such Dixieland favorites as "Royal Garden Blues." "Fidgety Feet" and "There'll Be Some Changes Made" with an irresistible happiness." -Scott Yanow
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