It is not surprising that guitarist Jim Hall is quoted praising Dale Bruning on the back of this CD, for Bruning has a similar dry-toned harmonically advanced style as Hall. Teamed with bassist Michael Moore, drummer Terry Clarke, and sometimes trombonist Mark Patterson, Bruning performs a few standards, three originals, and Earl Zindars' "Elsa." The music is thoughtful, sometimes introspective and usually swinging, with Patterson's presence adding variety to some of the songs. Highlights include "Young and Foolish," "So Danco Samba," "The Touch of Your Lips," and "As Long as There's Music."
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