Anyone who has heard
Evan Christopher
play clarinet realizes the heavy influence of
Sidney Bechet
on his playing style, though in these 2009 sessions he shares his interest in many other legendary New Orleans clarinetists, fusing elements of their playing into his own style. The lack of piano gives him greater freedom, with masterful guitarists
Bucky Pizzarelli
and
James Chirillo
(respectively on acoustic and electric instruments) along with bassist
Greg Cohen
providing superb accompaniment.
Christopher
's interpretation of the oldie
"Way Down Yonder in New Orleans"
restores the usually omitted verse and tango that were part of the original sheet music, played at a languid tempo (except for the brisk midsection) that suggests a lazy summer day in the Crescent City. His revival of
Jelly Roll Morton
's
"My Home Is in a Southern Town"
has engaging interplay with
Chirillo
, while the clarinetist's treatment of
"Dear Old Southland"
blends a Latin flavor with straight-ahead swing. But one of the most striking features of this CD is
"The Remembering Song,"
an infectious New Orleans-flavored ballad that is heard as a brief prelude, interlude, full performance, and even a hidden track with the composer whistling its theme unaccompanied.
The Remembering Song
is easily one of
's finest recordings. ~ Ken Dryden