Search - Dick Wellstood, Kenny Davem :: Dick Wellstood & His All-Star Orchestra Featuring Kenny Davern - Plus The Blue Three

First Class Chamber Jazz

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 10/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kenny Davern and Dick Wellstood had an empathy, musical intelligence and wit which made them a wonderful partnership. This CD demonstrates in full measure how well they combined together musically. Tracks 1 - 8 were recorded by Chiaroscuro in 1973, and are duets with Davern on soprano sax. The first track is a breakneck paraphrase of Ellington's "Jubilee Stomp", but the rest of the tracks are medium paced performances which are characterised the tremendous interaction between the two players. The way in which they listen to and react to each other is little short of miraculous. This is pretty much as good as chamber jazz gets. Eddie Condon's "Liza" is given a particularly delightful reading.Tracks 9 - 17 are trio performances, with Davern on clarinet and the addition of the largely superfluous Bob Rosengarden on drums. At least he keeps reasonably quiet. Recorded by Chaz Jazz in 1981, these sides are up to the standard of the 1973 sides. Wellstood and Davern re-invent a series of jazz standards, breathing new life even into such tired old war-horses as "Tiger Rag". Highlights for me are a smokey "Blue Monk", a laid back "Indiana" and a joyous "Oh Peter". Wellstood's solo in "Sweet Georgia Brown" is a compendium of stride licks.This is timeless music. Recommended without reservation."

The Dream Team

Arnold Day | Wayne, NJ United States | 04/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The early death of Wellstood in 1987 was a tragic loss for all jazz lovers. In my opinion, he was second only to Hines in musical inventiveness and the shear joy of playing. In this CD, he is joined by his longtime friend and musical imp, Kenny Davern. Fotunately, Davern and his wonderful clarinet playing live on. When playing together, as they are here, they drove each other to new musical highs, and this CD is a wonderful example of something which is impossible to describe in words. Just listen to them trading outrageous fours, especially on "Oh Peter". If this doesn't make you smile and stir your blood, go see your doctor immediately!"

Virtuoso pianist

Arnold Day | 05/15/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dick Wellstood was a virtuoso pianist and a monster musician with a great sense of humor. This album shows him off to great advantage in beautiful duets with Kenny Davern. Basically traditional jazz but it transcends styles. Music to make you smile!"