‘Hotlanta’ heats up Border Concert

The Border Concert series closed out another great season April 25 with the appearance of “Hotlanta” at Backus Auditorium in International Falls.
From the opening number, “Wolverine Blues,” the Atlanta-based sextet had the audience clapping, toe-tapping, and humming along with many of the great tunes from the early days of Dixieland.
Led by clarinetist/saxophonist Don Erdman, “Hotlanta” presented a show packed with energy, humour, and the wonderful harmonies and solo improvisations unique to Dixieland jazz.
Banjoist Bill Rutan proved himself equally skilled as a vocal soloist, handling the vocals in a creamy-smooth style reminiscent of the crooners of the ’30s and ’40s.
The entire second half of the program consisted of songs suggested by the audience, and was virtually a non-stop medley of well-known Dixieland standards like “Alexander’s Ragtime Ban,” “Basin Street Blues,” “St. James Infirmary,” and, of course, the tune that has come to be synonymous with Dixieland itself, “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.”
Cornetist Greg McLean, trombonist Neal McElroy, drummer Ray Trant, and tuba player Hal Johnson also were given many opportunities to showcase their improvisational skills as soloists.
“Hotlanta” was hot indeed, providing an evening of warmth, joy, and great music. After acknowledging a standing ovation from an appreciative audience, “Hotlanta” concluded the show with an encore, appropriately entitled, “Shine.”
And the audience seemed to agree–“Hotlanta” did indeed shine.