Runnin' Wild
Sidney Bechet could generate lines of trumpetlike clarity and power with his soprano saxophone, and there's a special chemistry apparent in the three sessions with cornetistWild Bill Davisonincluded in this CD. Recorded in 1949 and '50, it concentrates on the standard repertoire of traditional jazz, including spirituals, blues, a few warhorses composed by theOriginal Dixieland Jazz Band, and several Clarence Williams tunes that Bechet had first recorded in the 1920s. The vintage of the material is meaningless, though, as Bechet and Davison approach it with spontaneity and joy, infusing fresh life into even "Tiger Rag." Bechet matches Davison's clarion force, and the soprano saxophonist inspires the aggressive cornetist to some of his most expressive playing on record. The great Kansas City bassist Walter Page contributes magnificently to the first session, while trombonist Jimmy Archey and pianist Joe Sullivan are especially good on the third, but it's the fluid invention of Bechet and his inspiring interplay with Davison that always come to the fore.--Stuart Broomer