The Secret Six continue to be one of the most prolific bands recording in New Orleans today. This new collection of traditional jazz and blues goes deep into the well of old-time music, while also bringing back a couple of tunes that ought to be covered more often.

Some new names join the group’s stalwarts, John Joyce, bassist and leader, and guitar and string whiz Hunter Burgamy, including banjoist and vocalist James McClaskey, trombonists Haruka Kikuchi and Satoru Ohashi, veteran clarinetist Craig Flory and percussionist Defne “Dizzy” Incirlioglu on washboard.

Both Kikuchi and “Dizzy” play in the Shake ’Em Up Brass Band. McClaskey fronts his own bands and Flory plays with Tuba Skinny among others. You may need a scorecard to keep track of all the players.

Recorded with great attention to sonic detail like the other Secret Six albums by Earl Scioneaux, III, McClaskey and “Dizzy” are the standout players to my ears. While many listeners may consider the washboard to be a novelty instrument, “Dizzy” pulls off so many sounds she may very well be the NEW queen of the washboard.

McClaskey takes the lead vocal on five cuts and his languid take on “Big” Bill Broonzey’s “Just a Dream (On My Mind)” sets the stage for some great interplay between the banjo and clarinet.

Trumpeter Zach Lange only sings lead on one song, but it’s a favorite from the pen of Danny Barker. His version is considerably more optimistic than Barker’s resigned take on “Nevertheless.” Lange also adds a spirited horn solo.

Like on their previous albums, the band lists their favorite version of each cut. Much to my surprise I wasn’t familiar with New Orleans’ own Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen’s version of “Ting A Ling.” Sung by Burgamy, the song pops with the good time sound that makes this music so infectious. With eighteen songs, this album has plenty more to offer from a band that goes deeper and wider with every release.