Thursday, March 19, 2020

Ruby Braff & Ellis Larkins – The Grand Reunion (Chiaroscuro, 1972)

Ruby Braff (cor); Ellis Larkins (p)

Recorded on October 14, 1972

Braff and Larkins made some wonderful duo recordings for Vanguard in 1956 while John Hammond was producing records for the label.  [These record have been reissued on Vanguard as Duets, Vol. 1 (1999) and Duets, Vol. 2 (2000).]  That's why this 1972 collaboration for Hank O'Neal's Chiaroscuro label is titled The Grand Reunion.

Braff makes a gorgeous sound on the cornet, conjuring the spirit of Louis Armstrong.  Larkins has a velvety touch, and his playing is beautifully lyrical.  This disc is proof that music doesn't necessarily have to be "contemporary" to be vital and heart-felt. 






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