Back in Your Own Backyard

“Back in Your Own Backyard”

(Detroit Music Factor/Mack Avenue)

Trombonist and vocalist Tbone Paxton and drummer RJ Spangler share a rich 40-year history, going back to their days with Detroit’s Sun Messengers and then working in the bands of soul and blues stars Johnny Adams, Earl King and Eddie Bo. As you might imagine, more than a little New Orleans seasoning flavors their mix, whether they’re playing traditional jazz, blues or R&B. Paxton and Spangler continue their long association on Back in Your Own Backyard (Detroit Music Factory/Mack Avenue), a collection of vintage jazz and blues tunes expertly interpreted by Spangler’s quartet and guests with Paxton out front. Comprising a jukebox’s worth of classic music, the album spans the songbooks of Louis Jordan, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael. The title track, our selection, was performed by Billie Holiday, The Andrews Sisters, Erroll Garner and Al Jolson, the last of whom actually co-wrote the song. Propelled by Spangler and bassist Kurt Krahnke, the tune maintains a finger-snapping swing and features fine work by pianist Michael Zaporski, guitarist Matt LoRusso and baritone saxophonist Goode Wyche III. Paxton’s vocals display real charm and he’s equally charismatic on the instrument from which his moniker derives.