Although this is technically a set featuring cornetist
Peter Ecklund with strings, there is actually no real string section. The "strings" include (on various tracks) guitarists
Frank Vignola,
Chris Flory,
Molly Mason, and
Marty Grosz, bassists
Greg Cohen and Murray Wall, violinist
Jay Ungar, banjoist
Cynthia Sayer, and
Kenny Kosek on mandolin, plus Scott Robinson on various reeds,
Lenny Pickett on clarinet and tenor sarrusophone (!), and drummer Richard Crooks.
Ecklund contributed nine originals to the 16-song set, which also includes "Try a Little Tenderness," "I'll Be a Friend With Pleasure," and "Jubilee." The fresh material, constantly changing instrumentation, and
Ecklund's consistently excellent playing make this CD easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow