Search - Bob Havens :: What Is This Thing Called Love?

Another Gem from Jazzology

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 06/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another fine recording from Duke Heitger who seems to be able to put together great little bands combining younger guys with seasoned pros. Bob Havens, the old pro, has been playing trombone for well over 50 years and, like a fine wine, he's mellowed -just a little- with age. He still possesses the drive and wit to create memorable solos and his tone is as smooth as silk. He plays with a youthful vigour that many trombonists half his age struggle to attain. He's a guy you should have been looking out for.

Steve Pistorious, another under-rated traditional player, handles the keyboard chores with a style and flair that wasn't uncommon some seventy years ago. He's a two handed player from the Jelly Roll Morton school of good taste and has contributed memorably to many sessions. He sounds perfect here.

Evan Chrisopher plays clarinet and saxes on this date with a modern creole flair. His tenure with the Jim Cullum band must have been like attending a finishing school for traditional players. His style, finesse, and facility were developed in those formative years. He adds much to this fine recording.

Kerry Lewis plays bass and Michael Waskiewicz, the youngest musician, is on the drums. They work well together and keep everything steady and in check. This kind of timekeeping is so important to the success of the music. Careful listening will reveal the vital nature of their roles.

Duke Heitger continues to prove that he is a top notch traditional jazz player in the Louis Armstrong mold. His expressive scorching runs and delicate muted breaks contain all the elements of real JAZZ. His solos come from a controlled fury and are steeped in heat, the path that Louis, Roy, and Henry "Red" Allen chose. There are few like him today.

The 13 numbers are familiar but the arrangements from Heitger, Havens, Pistorious, and Christopher make them sound fresh as the morning dew. The studio recording from Richard Bird is excellent. George H. Buck continues to produce these gems that, at first, may seem like music from a bygone era, yet, after repeated listening, prove as exciting and as vital as anything on the market. Try it and see.



P.S. Heitger's previous release on Jazzology-Krazy Kapers-is another great recording. Amazon has it listed under Duke Heiger. They forgot the t."