It's always fun when the Jazz Jesters perform at the Sherborn Inn. And, November 24 was no exception when Jeff Hughes introduced his new Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra (JJNO).

Jazz fams who remember Ray Smith's Paramount Jazz Band from the 1980s, will find JJNO's sound reminiscent of that band, but in Jeff's words, "with its own excitement and personality." JJNO mixes arrangements composed in that period with other great tunes associated with Bix Beiderbeck and other jazz favorites of the 1920s and 1930s.

JJNO is made up of musicians familiar to Sherborn Inn patrons, as the evening featured the outstanding reed duo of John Clark and Craig Ball playing "Blame It On The Blues."  The rhythm section of Ross Petot on piano, Albie Reynolds on tuba, and Bill Reynolds on drums was really swinging on the classic Gershwin tune "Kickin' the Blues Away." The band is rounded out by the distinctive vocal and banjo stylings of Jimmy Mazzy, and of course, leader Jeff Hughes on cornet, bringing back songs from the old PJB.

In addition, the talented Ginny Briggs of The Mood Elevators, who specializes in songs made popular by 1920s singer Jane Green, performed several numbers by Isham Jones and other jazz composers of that era.

Highlight of the evening was Craig Ball's moving rendition of Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust", which he dedicated to his wife Ellen, as they celebrated their wedding anniversary.