Veteran bassist
Charlie Biddle was born in Philadelphia but has been an important part of the straight-ahead jazz scene in Montreal since the early '50s. When given a rare chance to lead a CD, he gathered together some of his favorite associates, all talented musicians who have spent time performing in Canada.
Wray Downes,
Oliver Jones, and
Johnny O'Neal take turns on piano, drummer
Wali Muhammad and guitarist
Richard King are strong assets, and singer
Ranee Lee is featured on three songs. Whether it be "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," "All of You," "Straight No Chaser," or "Broadway," the music is swinging, usually thoughtful and consistently on a high level. All of these superior musicians (and singer
Lee) deserve to be much better known. ~ Scott Yanow