Bug Music is a tribute to the music of the Raymond Scott Quintette, the
John Kirby Sextet and
Duke Ellington, headed by the remarkably versatile clarinetist
Don Byron.
Raymond Scott's legendary compositions feature eccentric song titles (including, on this set, "Siberian Sleighride," "Tobacco Auctioneer" and "War Dance for Wooden Indians"), complex and thoroughly composed arrangements (all of which were originally memorized rather than being written out) and unique melodies.
Kirby's brand of swing, which is quite complementary to
Scott's novelties, often utilized themes from classical music and had solos, but were also tightly arranged (even "St. Louis Blues" and "Royal Garden Blues"). The CD begins and ends with four
Ellington/
Strayhorn pieces that fit well into the idiom (particularly "The Dicty Glide" and "Cotton Club Stomp"). In addition to
Byron, the key players on the project include altoist
Steve Wilson (one of the best of the younger swing stylists), trombonist
Craig Harris and pianist
Uri Caine, in addition to four other horns and several rhythm sections. Other than a silly rendition of
Ellington's "Blue Bubbles" and an adventurous interpretation of "Snibor," the selections are played with respect and great understanding of the somewhat forgotten style. None of the modern musicians sound as if swing were only their second language, making the continually surprising set a major success. ~ Scott Yanow