A fine swing clarinetist with a tone similar to
Benny Goodman's,
Russ Reinberg seemed on his way to a strong career in jazz in the '80s when he had to give up playing. In 2000 he was persuaded to return to jazz and, on
Blue Scarlett (named after his fiancée who talked him into playing again), he shows that he has lost none of his creative powers or technique.
Reinberg is a melodic player and although fluent, as he shows on "Squatty Roo" and a few of his originals, he clearly loves playing melodies. Joined by the versatile guitarist
Larry Koonse, bassist
Dave Stone and drummer
Ray Brinker,
Reinberg's warm tone is well featured throughout this pleasing comeback CD. Hopefully there will be many more.