5.0 out of 5 stars
Kenny with Dan and Joel, October 25, 2006
This review is from: East Side West Side (Audio CD)
This was Kenny's first recording for the newly formed Arbors label and came at a time when traditional and mainstream jazz was being overlooked by the majors. That state of affairs hasn't changed much. However, Arbors has emerged to become, perhaps, the major player in the mainstream arena. That's because they have churned out relaxed, laid back, superbly played discs like this one.
With Dan Barrett and Joel Helleny sharing the front line, Kenny gets a chance to let people hear what the younger generation brass players can do. Both play trombone and Dan also plays cornet. They can growl and use mutes like the famed Ellington players did and they do it with such taste and grace.
The rhythm section cooks and churns with a relaxed groove that compliments the horns and puts this one in the keeper category. Bob Haggart's bass playing is solid throughout and Bucky Pizzarelli's guitar covers lots of ground since there isn't a piano. Tony DeNiccola is a tasty drummer, providing subtle shading or booting the band along when necessary.
Kenny's playing is inspired and pure, his tone a warm and woody throb. The controlled energy is just amazing. The high notes still sing and dazzle like they've done for decades. Kenny is the premiere clarinettist in jazz today and this recording lets you hear why.
This is a great record for any time of day. I like it best in the late evening, after the family has gone to bed. It sounds like a group of musicians who have been let loose in a studio late at night. Nobody's in a hurry. Everybody's relaxed and feeling good. I've had the disc for about ten years now and still return to it when the mood strikes...and that seems often these days.
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