Search - Eddie Daniels, Bucky Pizzarelli :: Blue Bossa

Demonstration of versatility and virtuosity

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 06/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jazz duo albums take many forms, and the combination of a guitar and a horn works well with the right players. A good example is "Send In the Clowns" with Zoot Sims on tenor sax and Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar. Pizzarelli is the guitarist on this album as well, accompanying Eddie Daniels as he switches between clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, and alto flute. As a collector of Eddie Daniels recordings, and a long-time player of clarinet and flute, I find this album to be an amazing and inspirational demonstration of the versatility and virtuosity that Eddie had already achieved early in his career. His fabulous flute playing makes the listener wonder why we didn't hear a lot more recordings dedicated to this instrument throughout his career since this 1973 release. One could say the same about his bass clarinet playing.

Four of the 14 tracks here are classical adaptations rather than jazz, and there are two tracks that are alternate takes. For those who are less interested in Eddie's ability to cross over to classical, or those who are not content with an entire album in a duo format, this CD should still rate four stars. For those like me who want to sample Eddie's brilliance in all its guises, this is a five-star gem."

Blue Bossa

Lynn Laplante | 12/16/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a duo CD there are no bass and drums.good playing and good tunes but if you don't already own 4 or 5 Eddie Daniels CD's this isn't the one for you."