This is one of the most exciting releases put out by British pianist
Brian Lemon's Zephyr label. Cornetist
Warren Vache has long considered British trumpeter
Kenny Baker to be one of his early idols, and he was quite pleased to have the opportunity to share a front line with him. With assistance from
Lemon, guitarist
Howard Alden, bassist Dave Green, and drummer
Allan Ganley,
Vache and
Baker perform frequently heated renditions of 14 standards including numbers such as "After You've Gone," "Who's Sorry Now," "Royal Garden Blues," "Strike Up the Band," and "Broadway." An occasional ballad and some good-humored vocals by the two brassmen give variety to their particularly inspired encounter, which is highly recommended to mainstream collectors. ~ Scott Yanow