This is a logical tribute since clarinetist
Bobby Gordon's main influence is
Pee Wee Russell. Although
Gordon's solos are not as eccentric or death-defying as
Russell's, his tone is similar and there are times when he sounds eerily close to his idol. Joined by trumpeter
Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist
Dan Barrett, tenor saxophonist
Rick Fay, pianist
Johnny Varro, rhythm guitarist
Marty Grosz, bassist
Bob Haggart, and drummer
Gene Estes,
Gordon explores a dozen songs composed by
Russell. In addition,
Gordon performs "Charles Ellsworth Stomp" (which he co-wrote) and one of
Russell's favorite songs, "I'd Climb the Hightest Mountain." Since some of these numbers were co-written by
Dick Cary and recorded by
Russell in modern swing settings during the late '50s (rather than Dixieland dates with
Eddie Condon), the music on this CD is often tightly arranged while leaving some room for spontaneous jamming.
Pee Wee Russell himself would have enjoyed the results. ~ Scott Yanow