The Bechet Legacy: The Bechet Legacy - Birch Hall Concerts Live

Every so often a jewel of a recording is unearthed, prompting the obligatory question: "Why not sooner?" This wonderfully energetic, swinging effort is a treasure of an example.

"The Bechet Legacy," with woodwind artist Bob Wilber and trumpeter Glenn Zottola up front, delivers significant homage to Sidney Bechet and to the Golden Era of hot jazz. The double-CD set, recorded live in England over three decades ago, is a home run of Ruthian swing.

Somewhat overshadowed by his contemporary, Louis Armstrong's own legacy, saxophonist and clarinetist Sidney Bechet played a pivotal role in the development of the art form both here in the U.S. and as a longer-term resident and performer in Europe. His is the robust saxophone root of the tree that would eventually sprout Johnny Hodges (a Bechet student), Coleman Hawkins, and Charlie Parker.

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.

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