Search - Albert Nicholas, Henry Trio Chaix :: Kornhaus Theater, Baden 1969

Classic New Orleans Clarinet

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 07/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert Nicholas was one of the finest of the New Orleans clarinetists. Strongly influenced by Jimmy Noone, he recorded with King Oliver in the 1920s, with admirer Jelly Roll Morton between 1929 - 1940, was the first choice clarinet player on the 1947 "This is Jazz" broadcasts, and recorded with a variety of tradition ensembles in the US and Europe until his death in 1973. An extremely distinctive player, he had a beautiful lower register, and was particularly adept at building a performance up to an exhilarating upper register final chorus ride-out.Although many of Nicholas's recordings were with dixieland groups, he was a magnificent lead voice in trios and quartets. This CD captures Nicholas live in Switzerland in 1969, playing a range of standards with the Henri Chaix trio. Nicholas is in superb form, demonstrating to the full his ability to improvise and his power in up-tempo numbers such as the barnstorming "I Found a New Baby". The lyricism and fluidity of his playing is also captured well in such tracks as "Rose Room" and Morton's " Winin' Boy Blues".Chaix also distinguishes himself. One of the finest European mainstream pianists of his generation, his swinging stride-influenced piano supports Nicholas very effectively, and generates some exciting moments.Sound quality is excellent, with audience noise kept to a minimum. This is a fine showcase for a superb clarinetist, and is recommended without reservation."