Although guitarist Andrew Scott's CD is in tribute to
Barney Kessel and he performs "Barney's Rag" (
Kessel's take on "Tiger Rag"), Scott has his own sound and style within the genre of straight-ahead jazz. With tenor saxophonist
Harry Allen, who is in top form as his co-star, Scott plays a heated date of bebop that is highlighted by one of the hottest-ever versions of "This Could Be the Start of Something Big," "I Concentrate on You," "Barney's Rag" and "Blues for Sonny." The latter starts out with a transcription of a
Charlie Christian solo, played in unison by Scott and
Allen. Trumpeter Jake Wilkinson makes the group a quintet on "Barney's Rag" and is showcased on "If I Should Lose You." The closing medley is played by Andrew Scott on unaccompanied solo guitar. Every selection on this set is successful and enjoyable, showing that when straight-ahead jazz is played with enthusiasm, high musicianship and subtle creativity, bebop definitely lives. ~ Scott Yanow