Ever wonder what “Do The Strand” would sound like if played by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven? Bryan Ferry is obviously the one guy who did, and he has created The Jazz Age as the answer. The record gives 13 Roxy Music cuts a 1920s’ jazz treatment, with every possible touch — grainy sound quality, Dixieland instrumentation — given to make it sound like a Roaring ’20s relic. Despite the kitschy concept, Ferry and crew display a genuine love of this sound, and the songs translate rather well to the instrumental format. It’s not essential music, but The Jazz Age will work great as the soundtrack to your next flapper ball.
★★★ (out of 5 stars)
