Trombonist
John Allred, pianist
Jeff Barnhart, bassist
Dave Stone, and drummer Danny Coots join forces for these engaging studio sessions, delving into decades-old standards, early jazz works, and modern compositions as well. Though
Barnhart is an accomplished stride player, he's more of an elegant swinger (with a bit of stride added for spice) in the buoyant opener "Pick Yourself Up," with
Allred's expressive trombone recalling greats like
Jack Teagarden. There are several
Fats Waller songs that are rarely recorded, including a duo romp (without
Stone and
Allred) through "Anita," the comical "You Must Be Losing Your Mind" with a campy vocal by the pianist, plus an unusual medley of
Waller's well-known "Jitterbug Waltz" with
Sonny Rollins' "Valse Hot." The sensitive treatment of
Charlie Haden's bittersweet "First Song" and the enjoyable, creative medley of "Puttin' on the Ritz" with "Bernie's Tune" add to the variety of this entertaining CD. ~ Ken Dryden