|
Songs:
1. It's Only A Paper Moon
2. Miss Brown to You
3. Lonely Moments
4. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
5. When a Man Loves a Woman
6. Black Beauty
7. Liza
8. Do It Again
9. Them There Eyes
Ruby Braff is an orriginal, a one-off. His cornet sound is unmistakeable, every performance an occasion for memorable creativity. Helter skelter dynamics and distinctive phrase-making are present each time Braff plays and he needs quick-witted accompanists to match him in thought and deed. Happily, his choices for Brecon '91 were equal to the task. Bassist Frank Tate is wonderfully shure-footed in support and solo, while Howard Alden simply confirms his reputation as one of the ablest improvisers around. Poised, fresh and tuneful: Three men in perfect harmony. Enjoy!
-Peter Vacher, December 1993
br>Ruby Braff was born in Boston on March 16, 1927. The date may have been something of a curse for this supreme jazzman, because just as he was defining his musical approach and style, 1950's musical entrepeneurs had little use for this young man's evocative evocations of classic jazz.
This was a musician who found inspiration in such elder statesment as Pee Wee Russell, Bud Freeman and Edmund Hall, with all of whom he played, and whose style Whitney Balliett of the New Yorker called "a well stirred mixture of Armstrong Berigan and Wild Bill Davison."
The critical support was indeed far-reachingNat Hentoff said that Braff's musical approach was "heatedly tender, richly swinging, and melodically flowing and imaginative," while John Wilson of the New York Times said it was "rich, warm, deeply rooted in jazz." Unfortunately, considering Braff's great talent, critical acclaim cam much more easily than steady work.
As under-emplyed as Braff was, he showed remarkable resolve with regards to his career. And like so many artists, time enriches their phrasing and feeling. After making records with such luminaries as Buck Clayton, Mel Powell, Urbie Green and Tony Bennett, Braff has mellowed with age, adding maturity to his full, spitited sound. As time moved on, Braff became more in demand. His recorded and live appearances create a wonderful, relaxed air. And much like his spiritual predecessor Bud Freeman, Braff is a witty and articulate Master of Ceremonies.
|
|
