Well, another year has gone by, and we have another Secret Six Jazz Band album to enjoy. Featuring many of the same players that have appeared on the last two recordings as well as regulars like leader and bassist John Joyce and banjoist Hunter Bergamy, the album explores similar traditional jazz territory and includes familiar tunes as well as some obscurities. As with all of the band’s releases, the liner notes include the musicians’ favorite versions of the songs.

Standout tunes include the old chestnut, “Marie,” which is played by so many local bands as to seem redundant. However, the tune takes on a different meaning because a woman sings it.

Washboard player and percussionist Defne “Dizzy” Incirlioglu is a New York expat and has appeared on the last two Secret Six albums as an instrumentalist. Here she reveals an excellent set of pipes to go with her rhythmic accompaniment skills. In a previous review I wrote, “Dizzy” pulls off so many sounds she may very well be the new queen of the washboard.” She can add compelling vocalist to her resume.

Bob Hudson’s “Trombone Slide” features Haruka Kikuchi on the title instrument and Bergamy on banjo. It is a sweet little tune, which starts with Bergamy picking out a cool passage before Kikuchi and the rhythm section join in. Kikuchi demonstrates the musical humor intrinsic in some of these old tunes with a great instrumental break.

Bergamy takes a turn on vocals on Irving Berlin’s “Reaching For The Moon.” The tune has Berlin’s typically melancholic lyrics and Bergamy works the pathos perfectly. The band captures the inherent ambiguities of the tune that showcases the great ensemble work that is all over this recording, which was recorded by ace studio man, Earl Scioneaux III.

The album ends on a bit of a down note with Joe Marsala’s weepy ballad “Don’t Let It End.” But after 13 cuts, it feels just about right for the latest album from this wonderful band that keeps taking listeners on a journey back in time.