Clarinetist
Albert Nicholas (who was 66 at the time) was still in prime form when he performed at a British concert from 1967 that was released for the first time on this 1995 CD.
Nicholas is featured with an English dixieland septet led by trumpeter Alan Elsdon and (best of all) on a few quartet numbers including "Rose Room," an emotional "Black & Blue" and "Lover Come Back To Me."
Nicholas (who could sometimes resemble
Barney Bigard) had his own sound but he spent most of his last two decades living in Europe, largely forgotten by Americans. Classic jazz collectors will want to pick up this superior set. ~ Scott Yanow