Dr. John and Preservation Hall have amalgamated a very astute protégé. While honoring his influences, Blair adds his own swinging southern panache with dashing youthful vehemence: rapid-fire lyrics and an audacious hair-tossing delivery. The band is solid, recalling fine players like Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. Although the music echoes with generations past, his lyrics are very much rooted in the present day by telling stories of an old soul living in modern times. Crimmins puts on an multi-instrumental show performing on piano, guitar, and banjo with his full band including a three piece Dixieland horn section.
