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Mutiny in the Parlor (11th full length album release)

"Mutiny in the Parlor," Janet Klein's latest album with her band the Parlor Boys, is a delightful time capsule of the 1920s and 1930s, blending authentic period arrangements with modern, high-quality recordings. The album features a variety of songs, some familiar and some less common, all performed with the spirit and energy of the Jazz Age.

Critics praise the album's ability to transport listeners back in time, capturing the essence of the music and culture of the era. Klein's singing style, described as youthful and sweet, blends an alluring jaunty charm with a "girl-next-door" quality that fits perfectly with the period. Klein's performance is captivating, bringing the songs and the era to life with her bubbly energy and authenticity.

The album benefits from the expertise of the Parlor Boys, a group of skilled musicians who

"get it" about Jazz Age music. The arrangements are true to the period, while also adding their own unique flair. It offers a mix of popular standards like "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" and "Willow Weep for Me," alongside less common gems like "The Monkey Doodle Doo" and

"When the Folks High Up Do the Mean Low-Down,"

Listening to the album as an exciting time-warp and truly immersive experience.

"Mutiny in the Parlor, as Dave Doyle noted last month in Syncopated Times, is a lively affair. Featuring Klein, Reynolds, Benny Brydern (violin), Marquis Howell, Randy Woltz, (piano, xylophone), and others like Corey Gemme, the album pairs classics like "Willow Weep for Me" with rarities like "On the Beach With You." Klein began collecting sheet music for the art, eventually falling in love wih the songs, and all her titles are lyrically driven even when substantial space is given to the band. The earliest title here is 1920's "San," the latest is within a couple years of 1930, which was an excellent period for popular songwriting. "Struttin" with Some Barbeque" early in the album is a surprising choice for this band but they play it in their own style and it fits perfectly, with a joy that would make Louis smile. This 12-track album was recorded mostly in 2024 at Ardent Studio with "San" being from 2017, and three titles near the end being "Covid at homes" from 2021. Two of those feature Klein and her uke, backed by Marquis Howell's guitar, and the other is Klein alone. These recalled for me her 1998 debut, which had been my great discovery in researching this review. Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys deliver these songs with honest respect for the era."

Art Cover Image by Janet Klein and Robert Loveless

All Songs Produced by Robert Loveless