Trombonist/vocalist Craig Klein, an always ready-to-play musician who’s a member of Harry Connick, Jr.’s band, Bonerama, Leroy Jones’ quintet, the Storyville Stompers and New Orleans Nightcrawlers (whew!), steps out on his own.

In this setting, Klein’s beautifully toned trombone voices the melody on a program dominated by traditional jazz and standards along with several original tunes. Actually, his self-penned number, “Lil Shiner,” already bears all the patina of a classic with its sense of swing and memorable melody.

Trumpet Leroy Jones joins the core group of pianist Paul Longstreth, drummer Gerald French and bassist Kerry Lewis for this album highlight. Tuba Slim, White Snake, Sparky and Craig are the credited musicians on the original, sashaying “Dad’s Dilemma,” which means, of course, that Klein—very capably—takes up all the instruments. Trumpet legend Dave Bartholomew distinctively punctuates “Marie Laveau” with the “from here” spoken word attitude and vocals by John Boutté.

Klein displays his admiration for the traditional style on a string of songs such as “Dear Old Southland” and “Save It Pretty Baby” and offers “I’ll Fly Away” in a stripped-down fashion with just his trombone, Cotton’s guitar and the tambourine of Smiley Ricks. Klein reveals his romantic bent on a lovely and heartfelt “When I Fall In Love.” Longstreth’s piano almost steals the show on the album’s opener, the leader’s “Shake Your Rugalator,” a less bombastic version of the song that is also heard on Bonerama’s new disc.

Longstreth’s strength here and throughout the CD should gain him further notice. Klein turns to his boss, Harry Connick Jr. for the street beat of “Light the Way.” Perhaps the most unexpected offering is the album’s closer, Bob Marley’s spiritual anthem, “Redemption Song.”

Appropriately quiet with just Klein’s trombone, Cotton’s guitar, Tanio Hingle’s bass drum and Rick’s congas, its sense of reverence makes it a welcome take on the one love hymn.