Jumpin' Punkins

Swiss native Henri Chaix (pronounced "Shecks") finds his piano-playing roots in the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Willie "The Lion" Smith, Fats Waller, Jimmy Yancy, and Earl "Fatha" Hines. His early apprenticeship was with Sidney Bechet, who used to spend his summer vacations in Geneva. Chaix's Jumpin' Punkins makes a lasting record of the work of one of today's leading practitioners of the stride piano. His rendition of Earl Hines' "Caution Blues" compares favorably with Hines' own 1928 recording, but with much better sound. This album is a recording of a live performance in Villigen, Switzerland, in 1990 before a very appreciative audience. Chaix shows that he can swing à la Fats Waller on "There Will Never Be Another You." His versatility (or courage) is established as he, undaunted, tackles Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear," which comes out romantic and very pleasant. He takes a whirl with another bop anthem, Milt Jackson's "Bag's Groove," once again coming away artistically unscathed. But it is on such tunes as "Yesterdays," which he successfully transforms into a salty stride, that Chaix is more comfortable. The title cut sums up 50 years of pianistic endeavor, which the audience seems to recognize, judging from their enthusiastic response. "Prelude to a Kiss" reveals that Chaix can maneuver his way around a ballad. But even on the ballads, his devotion to stride creeps in. Duke Ellington's rarely played 1961 "So" is followed and complemented by Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately." Bass player Alain du Bois and drummer Romano Cavicchiolo are in full musical accord with Chaix's style, providing valuable assistance throughout and rarely soloing. One of the nicer features about this recording is that it includes tunes not often recorded. In addition to "So," there's Earle Warren's "9:20 Special," Benny Carter's "Titmouse," and Chaix's own "Jack's Blues." Jumpin' Punkins is a living testament to an artist who is in his 50th year of performing, but who hasn't received the recognition outside of his own country he deserves.