Rick Bogart first gained some recognition for his clarinet playing in New Orleans in the 1970s. In recent times he has relocated to New York while remaining very active. Not a major name, nevertheless he plays quite well throughout this swing-oriented set, which also includes a few Dixieland numbers. The settings are intimate, with
Bogart heard with two separate piano-bass-drums trios and on three songs with just piano and bass. Most of the songs are standards played with spirit, although there are few surprises on such tunes as "What a Wonderful World," "Begin the Beguine," and "I Can't Get Started." Most unusual is a five-song medley that
Bogart plays as duets with drummer Skip Schaffer.
Bogart has a warm tone and his approach to these standards is tasteful but swinging; he is not directly copying any of his musical ancestors. Fans of swing/Dixieland clarinet will find this CD easy to enjoy. ~ Scott Yanow