It’s odd to hear master pianist/bandleader Duke Ellington’s “Jump for Joy” as a dirge. On Comeback Children’s first cut, it sounds rather like solemn jazz funeral procession moving down the street. The song is totally transformed by saxophonist/clarinetist/vocalist Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses. It’s just one way that the eclectic leader mixes things up on the album. She also employs various musicians for different cuts and continuously roams around genres.

The mood is much more rousing on Ellington’s “Old Man Blues,” one of several numbers that has Nealand swinging on clarinet with some fine guitar by Matt Bell. Trumpeter David Boswell jumps into the foray for a rousing good time.

There’s a lot going on throughout Comeback Children, so the peacefulness of “Indian Summer” is appreciated. On this cut, one can more fully hear each of the individual, highly capable players, including vibraphonist Mike Dillon.

A standout on the disc for its rhythmic sway is Guadeloupe-born Al Lirvat’s lively “Touloulou.” Unfortunately, both the composer’s and the tune’s names are misspelled on the disc, but nonetheless it offers a touch of Nealand’s Sidney Bechet influences as she performs the song on soprano sax and even sings in French. Have to thank her for bringing this tune back into the realm. Also appreciated is Matt Perrine’s right-on sousaphone backing and the fun trombone work of Jon Ramm. Dig the background vocals too.

On Comeback Children, Nealand moves from port to port, from dirge to jump and swing. She’s traditional at heart in a very un-traditional way.