This two-CD compilation combines two complete albums by alto saxophonist
Arne Domnérus: a 1973 small-group date with
Jimmy Rowles and a
Domnérus-led date that alternates between a quartet and a nonet. Although he's a talented musician, he is extremely generous in featuring his fellow players. The first disc begins awkwardly with an overly long jive vocal by
Rowles as he introduces "The Sheik of Araby" by himself; the pace finally picks up as he abandons the microphone.
Domnérus makes the most of
Rowles' lush backing in his lovely rendition of
Billy Strayhorn's "After All," which strongly reflects the influence of
Johnny Hodges. The duo expands to a quintet with the addition of trumpeter
Jan Allan, bassist George Riedel, and drummer Rune Carlsson, kicking off with Riedel's snappy post-bop vehicle "Sharkfinn" and continuing with a brisk samba treatment of
Neal Hefti's little-known "Fred." The quintet's lively interpretation of "Au Privave" finds
Rowles stealing the spotlight for himself.
Duke Ellington's bluesy ballad "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" is a showcase for
Allan with
Rowles. The second disc is a bit more uneven, as more of the session consists of originals and European folk tunes, none of which leave a lasting impression. Fortunately, the easygoing quartet arrangement of "Yours & Mine," a richly textured nonet scoring of "My Wild Irish Rose" (not exactly a jazz standard!), and a playful version of
Clark Terry's "Simple Waltz" all make a lasting impression. Two bonus tracks from guest appearances by
Domnérus with big bands are added to the original releases. ~ Ken Dryden