The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz economy, featuring the rare and "magical" pairing of pianist Dave McKenna and clarinetist Buddy DeFranco . Recorded for Concord Jazz , the set consists of ten duets that bridge the gap between McKenna’s orchestral swing and DeFranco’s bebop-influenced virtuosity. The "Three-Handed" Rhythm Section
This collaboration was so successful it led to a follow-up album two years later, Do Nothing Till You Hear from Us! , featuring guitarist Joe Cohn.
The album, inspired by DeFranco's legendary 1950s collaborations with Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, features a mix of "halsbrecherisch" (neck-breaking) tempos and tender ballads: davemckenna_buddydefranco.youmustbelieveinswing...
: DeFranco sheds his "technical" reputation on tracks like "Autumn Nocturne" and "Poor Butterfly," proving his depth as a ballad player.
While duets often lack the drive of a full band, this session needs no bassist or drummer. Dave McKenna was famous for a style: The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz
: He played continuous 4/4 walking bass lines that functioned as a one-man rhythm section.
: This allowed DeFranco, one of the few clarinetists to fully adapt to bebop , to soar with a freedom usually reserved for fronting a quartet. Performance Highlights , featuring guitarist Joe Cohn
: He delivered horn-like single-note solos and rich harmonic voicings.