Violinist
Richard Carr considers
Stuff Smith to be an important influence, but his sophisticated swing style actually sounds fairly original. Teamed on a set of duets with guitarist
Howard Alden (this date was reissued on CD in 1998), the duo performs an eclectic set of music that includes swing standards, a couple of
Thelonious Monk tunes ("Reflections" and "Light Blue"),
Bud Powell's "Parisian Thoroughfare," "Four Brothers," and the obscure "Bean and the Boys." Most of the interpretations are not overly exciting (nothing on the fiery level of
Joe Venuti and
Eddie Lang) but everything is well played,
Alden is a very complete guitarist, and
Carr sounds in fine form. ~ Scott Yanow