Search - Bob Wilber, Dick Wellstood :: The Bob Wilber - Dick Wellstood Duet

Chamber Jazz

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 05/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dick Wellstood and Bob Wilbur played together in the 1940s and were re-united for this 1984 duet session.Despite the great ability of both players, the disc is something of a disappointment. One problem is that many of the arrangements are rather formulaic: 1st chorus: melody statement with stride bass accompaniment: 2nd chorus: melody in piano with obligato acompaniment from clarinet / soprano sax: 3rd/4th chorus: piano solo, 5th chorus: ride out. Another problem is that there is not always much sign of interaction between the musicians. Wellstood was a magnificent duo / trio player, and his recordings in this format with Kenny Davern are invariably superb: perhaps he and Wilbur didn't gell, or just didn't rehearse enough.Despite these comments, there is some good music on this disc. Wellstood plays some great stride solos (ie "Chinatown" & "Song of the Vagabonds") and "The Entertainer" is given a beautifully bluesy reading. Ironically, three of the best tracks were rejected from the original LP release. "I Wonder What Became of Me" and "Lonesome Blues" are soulful performances with wonderfully rich harmonies from Wellstood, whilst "Save Your Sorrow" is a delightfully spritely rendition of a 1920s standard.This is an enjoyable disc. Anyone who doesn't know the Davern / Wellstood discs will have no complaints. Wellstood fans should buy it as a mater of course."