Kermit Ruffins: Happy Talk – review

Of all the latter-day New Orleans trumpeters, Ruffins comes closest to the spirit of Armstrong and other jazz entertainers of the classic era. His intention with this selection of cheery tunes, from the old New Orleans march "Panama" to "High Hopes", is to "put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face" – and you couldn't imagine Mr Marsalis saying that. The lineup varies from traditional street band to a bright little swing outfit, all sparked by Herlin Riley's perky drumming. Ruffins is a good, workaday singer and his trumpet style, replete with high notes and extravagant lip-trills, is a rare delight.