Search - Red Mitchell, George Cables :: Live at Port Townsend

Swinging, Joyful Jazz Duo

John Tapscott | Canada | 04/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The master jazz bassist Red Mitchell and the highly respected pianist George Cables recorded this 47 minute set before an enthusiastic audience at the Port Townsend Jazz Festival in 1992. Sadly, Mitchell passed away several months later. But this set shows that Mitchell was in full command of his powers right up to the end of his career. The music consists of five veteran standards and one off-beat Mitchell original - "Big `N' and the Bear" dedicated to Walter Page and Jimmy Blanton, with a humorous vocal by Mitchell.



Unlike some duo performances, this music is not just reflective or intimate, but quite straight-ahead and swinging. Without the benefit of rehearsal, Mitchell and Cables charge into the set, and there is a keen sense of spontaneity and invention within the organized framework of each piece. The solo space is divided equally between Mitchell and Cables, and the exchanges between the two musicians are a real high point of the music (e.g. "Autumn Leaves and "Don't Blame Me"). Cables is a very fluent pianist whose musical mind is as quick as Mitchell's. Whether ballad or up tempo, all the music here is delightful and uplifting, full of wit, occasional reflection, and a sense of joyful adventure.



The recording quality is certainly adequate, though the piano is a bit distant and Mitchell's bass occasionally has an uncharacteristic "boomy" sound which is probably due to the large concert venue. But this is a minor quibble and overall "Live at Port Townsend" is very listenable, highly satisfying, and highly recommended."