Bassist and leader Ben Fox, a long-time New Orleans transplant, changes musical eras from the modern rhythms of last year’s release, the aptly titled Ben’s Bop, and looks back to traditional jazz flavors on Wrong Impressions. Besides employing an entirely different cast of musical characters in this drum-less quintet, the twist here is that all of the compositions come from Fox’s pen. The inspiration for his writing originates from the jazz of the past, and particularly from the great clarinetist and soprano saxophonist New Orleans’ own Sidney Bechet.

Fox knows his stuff when it comes to capturing the essence of classic New Orleans jazz though he surely adds his own touches. The album opens with the bright “Bature Nature,” that features, as do all the selections, the two reed players: James Evans who primarily blows clarinet, bass clarinet and C-Melody saxophone, and Aurora Nealand switching between soprano sax and clarinet. These two talented artists bring much stylistic and tonal diversity to the selections as they share and trade off positions on the “front line.”

Fox’s bass takes on much of the rhythmic duties, particularly on the swinging “Snake Drag.” Often, he’s joined in what could be considered the “rhythm section” by pianist Carl Sunny Leyland and guitarist Josh Dunn. Each gets an opportunity to step out for solos with Dunn offering a thoughtful addition to the lovely “The Nunnery” that is enriched with the wonderfully-rich low tones of Evans’ bass clarinet. Leyland gets his chance to shine on the opening number, as well adding to the ensemble with his old-school touch of inventive comping throughout.

Ben Fox‘s uniquely individual approach to classic jazz reveals his love and respect for the past while opening up new highways for the music to travel. The pairing of Evans and Nealand as a bow to Bechet, results in Wrong Impressions making a very good impression.