This is music made with energy and a smile. Loose in attitude but tight in music and swinging all the way through, the Viper Mad Trio has made a record of old timey jazz tunes, some of which are known and the rest of which should be better known. Tunes such as the Lucky Millinder-penned “Shorty’s Got to Go,” Lillian Johnson’s “Hot Nuts” and Slim Gaillard’s “8,9, & 10” should be as famous as the tired war-horse tunes that get flogged all over the French Quarter and on Frenchmen Street. The record starts off with a Buddy Bolden cut and ends with a Sidney Bechet ode to reefer, so people know this is a record that will get listeners up, not down. The sparse lineup of guitar, bass, trumpet, and vocals leaves space, which lightens both the temperament and music. Vocalist Molly Reeves sings with a flirtatious laugh that is great by itself. However, when Ryan Robertson’s bright and brassy trumpet, Kellen Garcia’s bass, and Reeves’ own Django-like guitar are added to the conversation, they all mix to make a joyous combination. There are blues here—but nobody is crying. Everyone is rocking and rolling in the way that Louis Jordan perfected in the 1940s. It’s hip like zoot suits, berets, and sticks of tea. Nothing too heavy or sad, the Viper Mad Trio’s debut recording will put some zip in your hip and a grin on your mug.