THE JOYMAKERS, A Texas-Sized Band

The farther we move from the dawn of jazz, the easier it becomes to regard the music of the 1920s as something preserved behind glass rather than the rambunctious popular entertainment it once was. On A Texas-Sized Band, Austin’s spirited 10-piece ensemble The Joymakers restores the sense of adventure, humor and communal excitement that made these songs staples of dance halls, theaters and radio broadcasts across the Southwest. Guided by multi-instrumentalist, arranger and noted music historian Colin Hancock, the group approaches the material with obvious respect for its origins, yet the overriding impression is one of vitality rather than scholarship.

The album thrives on constant motion. Voices, horns, reeds, banjo, accordion and rhythm section pass the spotlight effortlessly from one player to another, creating the feeling of an ongoing musical conversation where everyone gets a chance to leave their mark. The buoyant opener “Deep Elm (You Tell ’Em I’m Blue)” sets the tone with its easy swagger, while Lauryn Gould brings easygoing charm and vocal sparkle to “Dreaming ’Bout My Man” and the delightfully flirtatious “He’s Tall and Dark and Handsome.” Elsewhere, Luke Allen lends earthy appeal to “Somebody Stole My Gal,” and Hancock’s animated vocal turn on “Clap Hands! Here Comes Charley!” captures the playful, freewheeling spirit running throughout the collection.

Just as impressive is the ensemble’s command of pacing. The jaunty stomp rhythms of “The Pay Off” and “Lots O’ Mama” contrast beautifully with the more relaxed moods of “Daniel’s Blues” and “Bye Bye Baby,” while instrumental showcases like “Stomp Off, Let’s Go!” and the closing “Elephant’s Wobble” highlight the band’s knack for balancing precision with spontaneity. The solos never feel inserted merely for display; they emerge naturally from the arrangements, adding color, texture and personality at every turn.

Echoing the wonderfully illustrated cover art, A Texas-Sized Band feels larger than life, packed with colorful characters, vivid musical landscapes and enough instrumental flair to fill a ballroom. More importantly, The Joymakers remind us that great early jazz still possesses the power to surprise, delight and swing with irrepressible spirit nearly a century after these songs first entered the world.