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The Bechet Legacy: The Bechet Legacy - Birch Hall Concerts Live
"The Bechet Legacy," with woodwind artist
Bob Wilber
clarinet1928 - 2019
Glenn Zottola
saxophone, tenorb.1947
Sidney Bechet
saxophone, soprano1897 - 1959
Somewhat overshadowed by his contemporary,
Louis Armstrong
trumpet and vocals1901 - 1971
Johnny Hodges
saxophone, alto1907 - 1970
Coleman Hawkins
saxophone, tenor1904 - 1969
Charlie Parker
saxophone, alto1920 - 1955
Delivering an array of Swing Era standards from Bechet's and others' pens, Wilber, (a protégé of Bechet's) and Zottola soar through the selections with enormous vigor. There's significant swing across the two session dates where the musical magnificence—and joy—never ceases.
Legacy leader, Wilber, of World's Greatest Jazz Band fame, swings heavy on both soprano and clarinet. His improvised lines burst with chops, innovation and expression. He's got a gorgeous sound on both axes and is no "vibrato cornball" on either. Partner Zottola, a scion of Zottola trumpet mouthpiece fame, has all of the Armstrong vocabulary in his wheelhouse. He's got a vibrant sound, chops galore and swings at a level that would send other trumpeters to the woodshed. Like Pops, he uses the upper register shrewdly to fire up his solo forays. These are two stellar musicians performing with the ultimate respect for the tradition at hand.
The selections include tunes associated with Bechet, Armstrong, Ellington and others ("China Boy," "Lady Be Good," "Memories of You). Supported by a cooking rhythm section of pianist, Mark Shane, drummer Butch Miles, guitarist Mike Peters and bassist, Len Skeat (and a vocal by Mrs. Bob Wilber, Pug Horton), this legacy creates its own.
There's a timeless element to this wonderful music. With so much of today's jazz over-intellectualized and sterile, Wilber, Zottola and team deliver a vivid, swinging exposure to a timeless musical tradition in a romp. ">
Track Listing
CD-1: Oh, Lady Be Good; Down in Honky Tonk Town; Coal Cart Blues; Egyptian Fantasy; Lazy Blues; Summertime; The Mooche; Daydream; Si Tu Voi Ma Mare; Dans Le Rue D'Antibes; I Keep Calling Your Name; Sweet Lorraine CD-2: I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart; China Boy; I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good; Just One of Those Things; Polka Dot Stomp; Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe; Dear Old Southland; Promenade Aux Champs- Elysees; Georgia Cabin; Memories of You; Swing That Music.
Personnel
Bob Wilber: soprano saxophone, clarinet; Glenn Zottola: trumpet; Mark Shane: piano; Mike Peter: guitar, banjo; Len Skeat: bass; Butch Miles: drums; Pug Horton: vocals.
Album information
Title: The Bechet Legacy - Birch Hall Concerts Live | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Inner City Records
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