Although stride piano master
Ralph Sutton has recorded steadily throughout his career, this double CD (which contains all the music from two sets played at a Hamburg, Germany concert) was his first at the head of a medium-size group since 1981. Joined by trumpeter
Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist
Bill Allred,
Antti Sarpila on clarinet and soprano, bassist Jack Lesberg, and drummer Gregor Beck,
Sutton is in fine form and seems to enjoy the role of being an occasional accompanist. With the exception of the pianist's showcase on
Fats Waller's "Clothesline Ballet," the music is dominated by warhorses. However, the fine solos and spirited ensembles make such tunes as "California Here I Come," "Limehouse Blues," "Some of These Days" and "Shine" sound fresh and colorful. ~ Scott Yanow