Evan Christopher has invited comparisons to New Orleans clarinet masters like
Sidney Bechet,
Barney Bigard,
Omer Simeon, and
Jimmie Noone, yet he is more than one who re-creates earlier styles, as the virtuoso clarinetist is building upon the Creole tradition and keeping it very much alive on this CD. Accompanied by pianist
Dick Hyman (a virtuoso player who is rather laid-back during most of this session and doesn't mind focusing the attention on the leader), bassist Bill Huntington and drummer Shannon Powell, most of the older songs performed are lost gems from earlier eras, except for
Hoagy Carmichael's "New Orleans," which is given new life with
Christopher's moving, spiritual arrangement. "While We Danced at the Mardis Gras" sounds like a song from the turn of the 20th century, though it was written decades later;
Christopher's updated treatment takes it from the roots of jazz to modern swing. The leader also composed several originals, including the gorgeous ballad "Sunday Mornings" (from his "Treat It Gentle Suite"), his playful "The King of Tremé," and the gently swaying "Rampart Street Ramble," the latter featuring Huntington as well. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden