Every collaboration by
Bob Wilber and
Kenny Davern as either
Soprano Summit or Summit Reunion is well worth acquiring and enjoying.
Wilber (doubling on clarinet and soprano) and
Davern (who sticks to clarinet) always bring out the best in each other and their ensembles tend to be quite exciting. For this outing, they are joined by pianist
Johnny Varro, guitarist
James Chirillo, bassist
Frank Tate, and drummer
Joe Ascione. The music, which could be called swing, trad, or Chicago jazz, is consistently stirring, with such songs as "I Found a New Baby," "Mama's Gone Goodbye," "Song of the Wanderer," and "Diga Diga Doo" receiving exciting treatment by the two talented veteran reed masters. ~ Scott Yanow