This quartet is based in the Washington, D.C. area, where pianist Larry Eanet has been playing swing and traditional jazz for most of his life. He began recording in earnest as a bandleader in 1997, upon retiring from his medical practice. The quartet includes bassist Tommy Cecil, drummer Harold Sumney, Jr., and the very fine clarinet and saxophone player Ron Hockett. On this delightful program there are some unusual song choices-obscure
Duke Ellington tunes ("Across the Track Blues," "Lady of the Lavender Mist," "Sultry Sunset"), a seldom-recorded
Billy Strayhorn tune ("Clementine") and, most interesting of all, two adaptations of classical material: "Sunset Stomp," which is based on the "Sunset" movement of Groffe's "Grand Canyon Suite," and "Frederic's Tune," which was adapted by Eanet from Chopin's "Etude #6." Everything swings joyfully and dreamily; when Hockett is on clarinet, you can hear echoes of
Benny Goodman's small-group recordings. Eanet himself is both a strong leader and a creative, quick-witted pianist. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson