This 2006 CD features previously unreleased performances by the great cornetist
Ruby Braff
dating from 1961 and 1981. The first six selections are unique
third-stream
efforts in which
Braff
, pianist
Ralph Sutton
and a rhythm section are joined by the
Beaux Arts String Quartet
to play
Dick Hyman
arrangements of
classical
themes. The music was recorded as a demo tape for
Andre Previn
when he conducted the
Pittsburgh Symphony
as a possible future project, but
Previn
had departed before the recording was completed. Although
and
Sutton
are restricted a bit in this format and the strings do not improvise, the music has its charm. The next four songs are much hotter, featuring
at
Eddie Condon
's club in 1961. Following that are the only four performances that matched together
with fellow cornetist
Bobby Hackett
including two medleys. The interplay between the cornetists is delightful, as is the playing of pianist
Dave McKenna
. The closing
"When You're Smiling"
returns to 1981 with
in a freewheeling setting with
Kenny Davern
,
Vic Dickenson
Al Klink
. All of the music is well recorded (even with some crowd buzz on the live numbers), making
Recovered Treasures
a valuable addition to the rich discography of
. ~ Scott Yanow