by Scott YanowThe Firehouse Five Plus Two started out as an amateur Dixieland band mostly comprised of cartoon animators from the Disney Studios. Their spontaneous sessions (led by trombonist Ward Kimball) were so successful that they started recording for Good Time Jazz in 1949 and soon became a popular attraction, while never giving up their day jobs. In addition to colorful Dixieland ensembles and solos, the band often let off a siren during their hotter choruses and were not shy to inject their music with a healthy dose of humor. They recorded regularly for Good Time Jazz during 1949-1960 with additional albums cut in 1962, 1964, and 1969. In addition to Kimball, the band included trumpeter Johnny Lucas (for the first session), cornetist Danny Alguire, clarinetist Clarke Mallory, and, from 1960 on, George Probert on soprano and clarinet.