121. CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY by Erwin Helfer and the Chicago Boogie Ensemble

This 2021 record by the famed 85-year old Chicago blues and jazz pianist is a breath of fresh air despite its harkening back to old time Dixieland jazz and blues. Accompanied by bass, drums and two saxophones, the music puts you in one of those moods - one of those good moods, that is. In fact, after listening to this album, you can’t help but wish you had never given up those piano lessons oh so many years ago. There’s a mix of covers/standards as well as Helfer originals here. Start out with ‘Doxy’ to get things moving and then slow it down a bit with ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business.’ ‘St. James Infirmary’ will be known to many of you. Lastly, I can imagine ‘Big Joe’ being played in some juke joint to signify the last call.