The Firehouse Five Plus Two Goes to Sea

Album Title: The Firehouse Five Plus Two Goes to Sea
Artist: Firehouse Five Plus Two
Genre: Dixieland Jazz, Traditional Jazz
Release Date: 1958
Label: Good Time Jazz Records

Description: "The Firehouse Five Plus Two Goes to Sea" is an album by the Firehouse Five Plus Two, a Dixieland jazz band comprised of members of the Walt Disney Studios animation department. Released in 1958, this album captures the exuberant spirit and infectious energy of the Firehouse Five Plus Two as they embark on a musical voyage inspired by the sea. With its lively rhythms, spirited improvisations, and joyful melodies, "The Firehouse Five Plus Two Goes to Sea" transports listeners to a bygone era of traditional jazz and classic American entertainment.

Interesting Facts:

1. Disney Connection: The Firehouse Five Plus Two was formed by members of the Walt Disney Studios animation department in the late 1940s. Led by trombonist Ward Kimball, who worked as an animator at Disney, the band gained popularity for their spirited Dixieland jazz performances and became a beloved fixture in the Southern California jazz scene.

2. Influence on Disney: The Firehouse Five Plus Two's music and performances had a significant impact on the Disney studio culture and its creative output. Their energetic jazz numbers and lively musical arrangements inspired animators and artists at Disney, influencing the rhythm and pacing of animated sequences in films such as "The Jungle Book" (1967) and "The Aristocats" (1970).

3. Maritime Theme: "The Firehouse Five Plus Two Goes to Sea" features a thematic focus on maritime adventures and nautical imagery. The album includes jazz interpretations of traditional sea shanties and popular songs inspired by the sea, such as "The Wabash Blues" and "By the Beautiful Sea". The nautical theme adds a playful and whimsical element to the Firehouse Five Plus Two's repertoire, showcasing their versatility as musicians and entertainers.