This fine swing-oriented set features the
Teddy Wilson-influenced piano of
Johnny Varro in a quartet with bassist
Nicki Parrott, drummer
Joe Ascione, and, most importantly, trumpeter
Jon-Erik Kellso (who is listed as playing a "puje," a hybrid of trumpet and cornet).
Kellso often takes solo honors, with the highlights including such swing standards as "The Lady's in Love With You," "Stars Fell on Alabama," "A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid," "A Monday Date," and "On a Slow Boat to China." These melodic and swinging performances would be difficult not to enjoy. ~ Scott Yanow