Search - Ruby Braff, Ellis Larkins :: Calling Berlin 1

Tried and True

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 06/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins had met a few times before, most memorably back in the 1950's when recording for Vanguard records under the watchful eye of John Hammond. They met some twenty or so years later while recording the fine'Grand Reunion'session for Hank O'neal's independent Chiaroscuro label. The astute people at Arbors obviously knew a good thing when they heard it and decided to record a couple of volumes themselves while the going was still good.



The songs are all penned by Irving Berlin. Some are more familiar than others yet each one has a melody that can stay with you long after it's been played...especially the interpretations presented on this disc and its companion volume.



Ellis Larkins is the perfect and most complementary accompanist for Braff. He has a delicately fragile keyboard touch that is ideal for backing voices(the duets with Ella Fitzgerald on Decca come to mind). Braff's cornet playing has a smoothly eloquent vocal quality. His sound is immediately identifiable for its stark beauty and pure tone. Getting these guys together to play fifty years ago was a great idea and,judging by the results of this disc,time hasn't changed a thing.



Bucky Pizzarelli joins Braff and Larkins on a few numbers to add some variety. Mostly it's the graceful golden toned Braff playing Berlin's melodies rapturously with Larkins' gentle embellishments adding the finishing touches to the songs. Exquisite!"