The Easy Rollers: '... And Another Thing'

Their influences might go back through the last century, but The Easy Rollers present a collection of new compositions and arrangements that bring the jazz age right into the 2020s. ’... And Another Thing’ takes us back to the sounds of the 1920s with some classics and some lesser-known songs alongside the band's original compositions.

Although very much UK-based, this band embraces the music many of us associate more readily with the sounds of New Orleans, Kansas City and Harlem.

Starting the album with Oh, Lady Be Good introduces us to this ensemble and breaks it down for improvisation featuring many of these exceptional musicians. Vocals from Dani Sicari beautifully balance the time and geographical influences in this first arrangement, before another classic - That’s How I Feel Today. Saxophonist Jamie Stockbridge (with his formative music taking place just around the corner from me here in Hitchin) adds new lyrics and an arrangement to the instrumental by clarinettist and saxophonist Mezz Mezzrow.

These two opening tunes set the tone for a great album. If you only get to one track, make it The Ballad of Billy, A Kid composed by Stockbridge and the third single released in the summer of 2025 prior to the album release. It owes something to the British folk tradition as much as American jazz story-telling, with effervescent ensemble playing and singing.

You won’t go wrong with … And Another Thing - it’s a delightful foray into the American past, performed brilliantly by some of today’s best UK jazz musicians. Dani Sicari (lead vocals) is joined by Alex Hill (piano), Tom Sharp (trumpet), Jamie Stockbridge (tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, composition and lyrics), James Girling (guitars, arrangement), Sam Jackson (double bass, arrangement) and Matt Brown (drums). Guests on this album are Andrzej Baranek (accordion) and Ellie Smith (trombone).

The Easy Rollers have been a collective for nearly a decade and this album promises much for their future. Check out their website and find them coming to a (metaphorically) smoky jazz club near you. When you get their, buy the album and enjoy the artwork as well as the music.