Mus Fridays # 21: Firehouse Five Plus Two

The Firehouse Five Plus Two was a Dixieland Jazz band that consisted of many people from the Walt Disney Studios Animation Department.  From what I understand, the band started out as a way for the guys to blow off steam but as seen here, they released some records as Walt loved what they were doing.  They were even featured in some the Disney television specials and episodes of the Mickey Mouse Club.  If you have seen The Princess and The Frog, there is a rather quick homage to them in Tiana's restaurant as the band is named The Firefly Five Plus Lou. The great thing about these guys is that while they made their music, they still worked on their other craft of animation and never let the music get in the way. But today, we focus on the music. So join me as we take a trip back to simpler times and take a listen to the Firehouse Five Plus Two.


Firehouse Stomp

Our first song is titled the Firehouse Stomp.  I feel that this set really shows their talent as musicians. They are just having a good ol' time playing together and it shows in their music. Here everyone gets a chance to shine. I also really love the inclusion of the firehouse bell as that adds another layer of fun.  The beat of this tune is very catchy and while it does speed at times, I actually like that.  As I feel that it works in this song's favor.

JA-DA

This song is from their album, Firehouse Five Plus Two At Disneyland and I tihnk this is a bit more fun than the first song. I don't know what it is about this song that I like over Firehouse Stomp but I think that it has to be the inclusion of words into this song as it allows the band to showcase their vocal talents as well. Those are just some funny words and this is just a fun song again.  I can actually picture myself on the Port Orleans Resort at Disney World listening to this.  It is quite relaxing in an odd way.

Minnie The Mermaid

Okay, I just love the opening of this song and it sounds like they are splashing in water.  Though that can't be very good for their intrustments.  Admittedly I don't think their singing is as strong here as it is in the previous song and while this deals with sea-life, the sounds gives me more of a carnival vibe. Though perhaps this could work on something such as pier because are usually close to water.  Again it is a fun little ditty and it is easy to get into and I love how it all ends with it sounding as though they are soaked.

Brass Bell

Our last number is titled Brass Bell and just as with the Firehouse Stomp, it takes place at a firehouse.  This song compared to the rest has a simpler sound to it and it doesn't sound as busy. Again just like all the other numbers it is a fun listen and while it does speed up, it sounds softer than the other songs.  While not the weakest song featured something just feels lacking. I don't know what it is but it feels as though something is missing. All in all it is a good song though and it certainly showcases the zaniness of this band.

I hope you have enjoyed this rather special Music Fridays that has highlighted a part of Disney history that not many people know about.   You can find many more songs by this band on YouTube and I suggest that you give them a listen.  Honestly, these are my favorite types of Music Fridays where I get to showcase music from oft-forgotten parts of Disney.   Join me next week when I take a look at songs that already have a life before being used in a Disney song as I take a look at Already Established Songs Used In Disney Films.