Playing the London Jazz Festival next month The Hot Sardines have a self-titled Decca debut gaining a UK release a few weeks earlier.

Led by former actor Evan ‘Bibs’ Palazzo featuring the vocals of Miz Elizabeth, a former masters student at the London School of Economics, and even a tap dancer, this hot jazz (ie trad) band relies on the oh-so-very vintage sounds of the Prohibition-Great Depression years for its inspiration. Material includes Sidney Bechet’s ‘Petite Fleur’ and a pacey version of ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do.’

The Hot Sardines’ pianist Evan Palazzo above, with singer Miz Elizabeth on accordion, and tap dancer Fast Eddy Francisco. Photo: Harry Fellows