Saturday, 13 December 2025

JAZZ ON THE TUBE . Down By The Riverside – 1961, Al Hirt

 Down By The Riverside – 1961

Al Hirt


The trumpeter is in exciting form during a performance that never lets up.

Al Hirt was thought of by some as a Dixieland trumpeter who had a few pop hits in the 1960s, but in reality he was a dazzling virtuoso who, when inspired, could play pretty dazzling music.

His 1961 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show is a good example of that.

Joined by clarinetist Pee Wee Spitelera (who seems to be half of Hirt’s size), trombonist Jack Delaney, pianist Ronnie Dupont, bassist Oliver Felix, and drummer Paul Ferrara, Hirt plays quite a few exciting notes, displays his virtuosity, and even dances a bit with Spitelera, borrowing a few ideas from Louis Prima.

It is quite a powerhouse performance.

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