At 71, cornetist
Ruby Braff was still in prime form at the time of this interesting project.
Braff decided to try something different so he utilized clarinetist
Kenny Davern, three guitarists (
Howard Alden,
Bucky Pizzarelli and
Jon Wheatley), two bassists (
Michael Moore and
Marshall Wood) and drummer
Jim Gwin. The unusual six-piece rhythm section is well featured with each of the players somehow staying out of each other's way and the three guitars often emulating a piano.
Braff sounds fine on such numbers as "Avalon," an emotional medley of two Charlie Chaplin-associated melodies ("Smile" and "La Violettera"), "Jive at Five" and a pair of the cornetist's originals. The closing "Born To Lose" is a frivolity with a so-so
Braff vocal (why do older trumpeters feel compelled to sing?) but otherwise this is a successful mainstream effort. ~ Scott Yanow