Creative Duets
B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 07/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The great Ruby Braff recorded cornet / piano duets with Ellis Larkins, Ralph Sutton, Roger Kellaway and Dick Hyman amongst others. For me, the recordings with Hyman are the finest, as Hyman is an enormously alert partner, constantly sparring with Braff and inspiring him to play at a consistently high level.This 1994 CD has been criticised for lacking the variety of tempos and treatments of some of their other collaborations, and there is some truth in this. Virtually all the tracks are taken at medium tempo, and Hyman has no opportunity to play the full blooded stride that he excels in. Nevertheless, there is much to savour on this CD. The repertoire mixes jazz standards and obscurities from the American songbook to great effect. Braff, despite having been seriously ill shortly before the session, plays at his lyrical best and is full of invention. Hyman is magnificent throughout, and on tracks such as Cole Porter's "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" (with its mock-fugal solo) "Joseph Joseph" and "You're Lucky To Me", interacts superbly with Braff. Sound quality is excellent throughout.This is one of those CDs that is delightful to listen to with half an ear to simply enjoy its melodious and swinging treatments, but also benefits from the closest possible attention to savour the rapport and interplay between the performers. Strongly recommended."
A romantic jazz masterpiece
richard woike | Santa Clara, CA | 12/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Talk about romantic jazz--this one's really got it. Every cut shows brilliant mastery of the songs by Braff and Hymen, a great pairing of cornet and piano. A couple of logs on the fire, alone at home, "Nice Tunes," and you'll soon be in heaven, lovers!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1