Search - Buddy De Franco :: Gone With Wind

The Second Buddy DeFranco "Gone With The Wind" album

Dr A G Brown | 07/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This particular album was recorded at "Rick's Cafe" in the Holiday Inn at N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago on February 16, 1977 and it should not be confused(as it appears to have been in an earlier review) with the 1952 album with Kenny Drew, Jimmy Raney, Teddy Kotick or Curley Russell, and Arthur Taylor or Art Blakey which is only available on Japanese Verve.This album demonstrates a more mature and mellow DeFranco who sounds more relaxed and at ease with himself. The tremendous technique is still evident, especially on "Yesterdays" where the adrenaline appeared to be flowing freely, but he sounds much less under the spell of Charlie Parker and consequently more his own man. The earlier album will always be my favourite - it has been now for nearly 50 years since I first heard it, but I find his playing on this 1977 session to contain performances of a very high order even by his own standards, probably better than anyone else playing clarinet at that time, and feel that four stars is a fair assessment. It is a must for all Buddy DeFranco enthusiasts and recommended for those who wish to obtain something representative of his work."

More small group swing from Buddy's peak years

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 11/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco recorded a lot of small group swing in the 1950's, most of it for Verve and all of it outstanding. While this somewhat pricey import CD sports the Japanese Verve label, these sessions were originally recorded in 1952 for the MGM label (Source: Buddy DeFranco Discography by Arne Astrup). Besides DeFranco, the personnel includes Kenny Drew on piano, Jimmy Raney on guitar, Curley Russel/Teddy Kotick on bass and Arthur Taylor/Art Blakey on drums. Indeed an all-star line-up. This CD compiles work from 4 sessions recorded during the first half of 1952 in New York and San Francisco and all 16 charts swing with abandon. Highly recommended."