Ellyn Rucker: Live In New Orleans

Although my taste in jazz tends to lean more toward Kenny G than Charlie Parker (which any true jazz aficionado would tell me is no taste at all), Ellyn Rucker: Live in New Orleans struck me as not only listenable for hardcore jazz, it had me up out of my chair, dancing across the living room, and into the kitchen making salad for dinner (the tape is now a consistent favorite of my wife's). Backed by drums and bass, Rucker tickles the ivories with authority on Duke Ellington's "Take the Coltrane" and "Things Ain't What They Used To Be," John Carisi's "Israel," and Blue Mitchell's "Funghi Mama." On top of that, Rucker sings and sings well on "Wonder Why," "Beautiful Love," Freddie Hubbard's "Up Jumped Spring" (which even includes a little scat), and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most." Taped live at Mahogany Hall in New Orleans, Ellyn Rucker: Live in New Orleans is a real treat for jazz lovers and a pleasant surprise for those who ordinarily find listening to classic jazz about as much fun as winning a one-week vacation to Bone, Idaho. Highly recommended. (Available from: Leisure Jazz Video, P.O. Box 56757, New Orleans, LA 70156-6757; (800) 321-1499.)