A superior bop-oriented clarinetist,
Mort Weiss has had an unusual history. He played clarinet in his youth and then gave it up for 30 years, working outside of music. In 2001
Weiss returned to full-time music, and although a senior citizen he was able to make a complete comeback, playing with enthusiasm and skill. In fact, listening to him on The Three of Us, one would be excused for thinking that the clarinetist was 30. On this set of trios,
Weiss is joined by seven-string guitarist Ron Eschete and bassist
Dave Carpenter for jams on a variety of bop and jazz standards.
Weiss' tone sounds a little like
Buddy DeFranco (a fellow admirer) and he really cooks on such numbers as "Look for the Silver Lining," "Billie's Bounce," "Groovin' High," and a speedy "Secret Love," while giving his sidemen plenty of solo space, too. Fans of bebop clarinet will definitely want to go out of their way to get this release,
Weiss' third for his SMS label. ~ Scott Yanow