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Gregg Stafford/Brian Carrick: Streets of the City
Many of the items on the play list are usually associated with Louis Armstrong. While it's hard to think of any of this music not associated with Armstrong, "A Kiss to Build a Dream on", "High Society", "Basin Street Blues" and "Blueberry Hill" have a special association with Satchmo. Stafford uses Armstrong's opening for "A Kiss to Build a Dream on", a slow chorus emphasizing every note like he is singing through the trumpet. The interplay between Stafford and Carrick makes "Blueberry Hill" one of the album's highlights. Stafford plays the melody, while Carrick extemporizes underneath. But it is "Basin Street Blues" that is the CD's tour de force. This Spencer Williams classic gets an eight minute workout with everyone getting a chance to take a few measures. Stafford's expressive vocalizing is icing on the cake. The arrangement of "Honeysuckle Rose" is relaxed and Carrick's smooth, middle register clarinet takes the honors.
Stafford and Carrick are handsomely backed by a fine veteran group of musicians. Emil Mark's piano is especially active on all the cuts, comping to accent the statement the two solists are making on a particular track. Mark also gets some significant solo time on such tunes as "Streets of the City". This CD offers generous 70+ minutes of fine traditional jazz and is highly recommended.
Track Listing
Streets of the City*; Darktown Strutter's Ball*; A Kiss to Build a Dream on*; Doctor Jazz; Punch's Long Distance Blues*; High Society*; All of Me*; Maryland My Maryland; Basin Street Blues*; Indiana: Honeysuckle Rose; Chinatown, My Chinatown; Blueberry Hill*;Gettysburg March
Personnel
Gregg Stafford
trumpetGregg Stafford - Trumpet/Vocals*; Brian Carrick - Clarinet; Emil Mark - Piano; Colin Bray - Bass; Sven Stahlberg - Drums
Album information
Title: Streets of the City | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Jazz Crusade
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