The Buddy DeFranco Quartet - In A Mellow Mood (1954) {2013 Japan Jazz The Best Series 24-bit Remaster}

The Buddy DeFranco Quartet - In A Mellow Mood (1954) {2013 Japan Jazz The Best Series 24-bit Remaster}

In Memoriam. R.I.P. Mr. Buddy. Buddy De Franco, a highly accomplished and exquisite jazz clarinetist who began his career in several leading swing bands of the 1940s before pivoting to bebop in the late 1940s and early '50s and teaming with leading jazz artists throughout the LP era, died on Dec. 24. He was 91. The album may be laidback, but it's hardly mellow at all – thanks to the presence of Sonny Clark on piano! The session's one of those great 50s pairings of Clark's piano and the clarinet of Buddy DeFranco – proof not only that Buddy could sound pretty darn soulful when he wanted, but also that he was always willing to grow and bring in some new ideas to his music. And the pairing with Clark is one of the best ideas that Buddy ever had – a mode that makes his instrument sound even more soulful than ever, almost like a soprano sax at times. Rhythm is rounded out by bass from Gene Wright and drums from Bobby White – who give the album a nicely easygoing groove – on tunes that include "Sonny's Idea", "The Bright One", "Minor Incident", and "I'll Remember April". Personnel: Buddy DeFranco - clarinet Sonny Clark - piano Gene Wright - bass Bobby White - drums tracklist: 01 - The Bright One 02 - Sonny's Idea 03 - Laura 04 - Everything Happens To Me 05 - I'll Remember April 06 - Willow Weep For Me 07 - Minor Incident 08 - A Foggy Day