Ruby Braff's 1957 tribute to trumpet great
Bunny Berigan is only appropriate, as he has long since gone on to establish himself as one of the modern masters of swing. His band includes pianist
Nat Pierce, guitarist
Steve Jordan, clarinetist
Pee Wee Russell, trombonist
Benny Morton, tenor saxophonist
Dick Hafer, bassist
Walter Page (in one of his last recordings prior to his death), and drummer
Buzzy Drootin.
Braff's passionate, always-melodic solos contrast with
Russell's rather distinctive approach to the clarinet, while the rhythm section is dominated by
Page's fat-toned bass. The leader's approach to "I Can't Get Started," a song forever associated with
Berigan, remains fresh decades later. Most of the selections were reissued on the since-deleted Bluebird CD
This Is My Lucky Day, so finding a copy of this valuable music remains somewhat challenging.