Dan Barrett emerged as one of the top young trombonists during the mid-'80s; his ninth date as a leader for Arbors Records finds him leading a quintet through a marvelous collection of swing songs, many of which have been overlooked for a long time or never received widespread attention in the first place. "Melody in Swing" features
Barrett's effortless swing and great tone in an easygoing arrangement. He adds a mute for his languid bittersweet solo during the gently swinging "Carelessly," backed by pianist
Ray Sherman's rapid runs. "What Is This Thing Called Love?" has a mysterious introduction that adds a touch of campiness, while
Barrett's muted horn almost sounds like an old-time crooner on the relaxed arrangement of "There Is No Greater Love," a piece almost always heard at a breakneck tempo by many jazz groups. The capable rhythm section includes guitarist Eddie Erickson, bassist
Dave Stone, and drummer
Jeff Hamilton ("Canadian"
Jeff to
Dan & company, to avoid confusion with the
Jeff Hamilton who has worked with
Ray Brown and also the
Clayton Brothers). The delicious "Gravy Waltz," an early-'60s collaboration between the late pianist/singer/comedian
Steve Allen and bassist
Ray Brown, showcases Erickson on banjo and some fine arco bass by
Stone, as well as the leader, in a fun-filled finale to this highly recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden