If you have ever seen the Preservation Hall Jazz Band you may have marveled at the strength, stamina and musicality of saxophonist Charlie Gabriel. He is 89 years old and playing with musicians half his age. So you may also marvel at the fact that he just released his killer debut album as a leader, fittingly titled 89.

Though born in New Orleans, Gabriel spent his teenage years in Detroit before embarking on a long career playing with greats of the big band and bebop eras, including Lionel Hampton, whose band at the time included a young Charles Mingus, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin. His first professional gig was in 1943 in New Orleans, the city where he returned after Hurricane Katrina and promptly joined Preservation Hall.

89 was recorded during 2020 and 2021 and features the Hall’s musical director Ben Jaffe on upright bass and Joshua Starkman on guitar. It includes six standards and two new compositions. Gabriel contributes wonderful vocals on the haunting ballad “I’m Confessin’,” the corker, “I Still Get Jealous,” and an original, “The Darker It Gets.”

Starkman’s gorgeous guitar work opens the album and remains unobtrusive yet central to the album’s tasty sound. He provides a solid rhythmic feel on every cut and drops some sweet lead lines as well. Jaffe, who is better known for his tuba work, proves to be equally adept on the upright bass, grounding the tunes in an old-school fashion—never flashy, always solid.

I can’t say enough about Gabriel except to remark that his age may be the least remarkable thing about this recording. You may think you know the tunes, especially the chestnut “Stardust,” but the saxophonist brings a superb tone and delicious texture to his solo work. 89 may be late in coming for the veteran musician, but it’s right on time.