The J Street Jumpers: Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby

What you have here is danceable swing, with lustful lyrics and great solos performed by a tight-knit group of nine musicians who are out to have a good time. From the opening “Better Beware,” the listener can’t help but become mesmerized by the passionate, energetic, Lady-Dayish vocals of Marianna Previti, who does wonderful things with her voice and lyrics. She will steam your glasses with her interpretation of “That’s How I Feel about You,” move you with “At Last,” and give you a good time with “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean.”

Drummer Jeff Lodsun drives the group on a memorable “Topsy,” a showcase arrangement for the band. Throughout, there’s great sax work from Charlie Hubel, with Don Lerman impressive on clarinet, solid trumpet from Vince McCool, and a great bluesy piano (and vocals, too) from Arthur Gerstein. Put it on and dance ’til dawn.

Originally Published November 1, 1998