The day before this CD was made, clarinetists
Allan Vache and
Antti Sarpila recorded the enjoyable Swing Is Here in Hamburg, Germany.
Ken Peplowski, himself a notable clarinetist, was in town and was hoping to sit in, so another session was arranged for the following day. Pianist
Mark Shane, bassist
Len Skeat and drummer
Joe Ascione keep the proceedings moving while the three clarinetists play many heated passages. Sarpila doubles on soprano, while Peplowski contributes some tenor, but it is when all three are matching wits on clarinet that this set approaches the classic level. Highlights of the Dixieland/swing material include "Original Dixieland One Step," "Air Mail Special," "Royal Garden Blues" and "Bye Bye Blues." A clarinet fanatic's dream. ~ Scott Yanow