The word that best sums up this set of duets by
Dan Barrett and
John Sheridan is "delightful." Trombonist
Barrett (who doubles quite effectively on cornet) and the stride/swing pianist
Sheridan match together quite well, inspiring each other on a set of older swing standards and obscurities. Although the emphasis is on melodic improvising, there are enough chances taken to make this music slightly unpredictable. The program begins and ends with different versions of "Two Sleepy People." Other highlights include an unusual jazz treatment of
Hank Williams' "Hey, Good Lookin'," a four-song
Billie Holiday medley that avoids the more obvious tunes,
Louis Armstrong's rarely performed "Heah Me Talkin' to Ya," "All My Love" and "You Can't Lose a Broken Heart." Actually each of the 14 performances are quite enjoyable and this set is easily recommended to fans of Dixieland, swing and mainstream jazz. There is nothing sleepy about the music. ~ Scott Yanow