Oliver-Smith Incomparables – Stomp Your Stuff (2026)

In 2026, the Oliver-Smith Incomparables have delivered a compelling jazz recording titled Stomp Your Stuff that reanimates the early jazz idiom with remarkable immediacy. This album pays homage to the pioneering style of Jelly Roll Morton, yet it transcends mere historical recreation by infusing the material with vibrant contemporary energy.

The ensemble is co-led by pianist Andrew Oliver and drummer Hal Smith, whose leadership shapes a dynamic and cohesive sound. The group features a distinctive front line including Colin Hancock on cornet, Andy Schumm who doubles on clarinet and cornet, and T.J. Muller, who contributes trombone, cornet, and vocals. Supporting them are Jacob Alspach on guitar and banjo, alongside Dan Anderson handling string bass and tuba duties. Each musician demonstrates a deep familiarity with the repertoire, enabling fluid interplay and fresh interpretations.

The album’s opening track, “Stomp Your Stuff,” immediately sets an energetic tone with buoyant brass exchanges, playful clarinet embellishments, and Oliver’s assertive piano rhythms. This spirited approach continues through selections like “Bucktown Blues,” where the ensemble locks into infectious grooves characterized by conversational brass and shimmering clarinet textures.

A notable inclusion is James Scott’s ragtime composition “Grace and Beauty,” which bridges the stylistic gap between classic ragtime and early hot jazz. The piece unfolds in four sections that highlight intricate melodic development and ensemble interplay, underscoring the band’s ability to maintain clarity amid evolving musical dialogues.

Highlighting the album’s central portion are two trio performances that pay tribute to Morton’s innovative clarinet-piano-drums format. These pieces, “Mill Creek Shuffle” and Morton’s own “Honey Babe,” showcase a spirited and intimate exchange among Schumm, Smith, and Oliver. The former track emanates a lighthearted, freewheeling demeanor, while “Honey Babe” adopts a slower, more expressive tempo featuring Müller’s warm vocal delivery and Oliver’s refined piano work.

Throughout the album, the collective nature of the music stands out. Instead of a string of extended solos, the musicians prioritize ensemble conversation reminiscent of early New Orleans and Chicago jazz traditions. The front-line horn players skillfully weave their parts, creating ever-evolving textures without compromising melodic clarity. Meanwhile, the rhythm section of Oliver, Smith, Alspach, and Anderson drives the performance with precise yet spontaneous energy.

Further expressions of this balance between meticulous execution and lively improvisation occur in pieces such as Wingy Manone’s “San Sue Strut,” “29th and Dearborn,” and “Mobile Blues.” These selections demonstrate the group’s commitment to showcasing both historical fidelity and creative vibrancy.

Oliver’s solo spotlight comes on “Dallas Stomp,” where he pays homage to Morton’s transformative piano style with a performance marked by technical finesse and historical reverence. The album concludes with “Cafe Capers,” a full-ensemble piece that encapsulates the joyful spirit and immediacy permeating the entire recording.

By resisting the temptation to present early jazz as a museum piece, the Oliver-Smith Incomparables instead offer a rendition that feels alive and relevant. Stomp Your Stuff stands as a testament to the enduring power of Jelly Roll Morton’s musical language, revitalized by a modern group deeply rooted in tradition yet unafraid to breathe new life into it. Details regarding recording locations and additional production information remain limited.