The sound of Harold Smith's clarinet brings to mind a roasting set of New Orleans alligator sausage, but this musician's real base of operations is a locale where bratwurst is much more likely to be frying on the grill. Smith, who released an excellent album under his own name in 1994, is an active figure on the Wisconsin jazz scene. The New South Rampart Street Paraders, an ensemble that is likely to show up at one of the state's many vibrant summer outdoor music events, combines Smith with some previous collaborators whose collective experience is impressive. The Monday Morning Dixie Band -- with gigs actually taking place any hour or day of the week -- and the Vagabond Reeds are two such ensembles that involved players such as Smith, trombonist Jerry Martin, and bassist Dan Shapera. The latter artist fit into a nice rhythm section featuring drummer Barrett Deems backing Smith at clubs; pianist Tom Hope, bassist Andy Bastounes, and drummer Rusty Jones filled a similar role on the previously mentioned recording. This release on the AVL label was entitled If We Never Meet Again, which certainly can't be about Smith's gigging schedule with sympathetic musicians ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide