This enjoyable concert not only features cornetist
Tom Saunders' "Wild Bill Davison Legacy Band" (consisting of
Saunders, trombonist
Bill Allred, clarinetist
Chuck Hedges, tenor saxophonist
Danny Moss, pianist
Johnny Varro, guitarist
Marty Grosz, bassist
Isla Eckinger and drummer
Butch Miles), but three numbers showcase the frontline of cornetist
Dick Sudhalter, trombonist
Roy Williams and baritonist John Barnes. All three reeds are heard on "Exactly Like You," and the full 11-piece group romps on the final three numbers; in addition,
Jeanie Lambe has a spirited vocal on "Milenburg Joys." Although no one ever duplicated the sound of
Wild Bill Davison (Ernie Carson has come the closest), he would have enjoyed this outing by his associates. Highlights include "Sleep,"
Varro's piano feature on "Echoes of Spring," "Struttin' With Some Barbeque," "Doin' the New Lowdown" and a riotous version of "Beale Street Blues." ~ Scott Yanow