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Clarinetist Bob Wilber is internationally known for his contemporary takes on classic jazz standards. He has played with some of the biggest names in jazz music including Benny Goodman, Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden. On this rare Classic Jazz release the New York City native is at his finest, playing the timeless music of Sidney Bechet alongside such greats as Vic Dickenson, Dick Cary, Barry Galbraith, Dick Wellstood, Leonard Gaskin and Bobby Donaldson. The ensemble puts their stamp on such classic songs as Polka Dot Stomp, Little Creole Lullaby and Quincy Street Jump.
"Throughout his long career, Bob Wilber has done a lot to keep interest in classic jazz... The opening number, Polka Dot Stomp was composed by Bechet in 1934, and reflects his showy virtuosity. By contrast, the following number, Where Am I?, is a relaxed quintet version of a languid ballad composed jointly by Bechet and Mezzrow in 1947, and features Leonard Gaskin on bass. Variety and color is provided by Wilber on bass clarinet on a previously un-recorded number, Little Creole Lullaby. Dick Cary... produces an eloquent, reflective solo on open horn. On the final septet number, Blackstick, the group let their hair down and swing along with power and authority in the true Bechet tradition.
"With the exception of the melancholy Blue Horizon and Spreadin’ Joy, the rest of the tracks feature the quintet with Wilber mostly on tenor saxophone. The distinctive sound of tenor sax and electric guitar playing in unison on Who’ll Chop Your Suey set the tone for a more sophisticated ‘modern’ approach, even on bluesy Georgia Cabi and the traditional Quincy Street Stomp." -Tony Foulkes, Just Jazz Magazine
It is always fitting when Bob Wilber pays tribute to Sidney Bechet. In 1946 when Bechet opened up what he hoped would be a school for jazz, Wilber was his first and for a long time only student. They played together often during 1946-47 and even recorded together. Years passed. In 1959 Bechet, who had become a national celebrity in France, passed away. The following year Wilber recorded his first tribute to his former teacher.
Sidney Bechet was the first great jazz horn soloist to appear on records, making his recording debut in 1923. He was born in 1897, played clarinet as a child in New Orleans, and by 1919 was touring Europe as a soloist with Will Marion Cook's orchestra. He purchased his first soprano saxophone while overseas and that soon became his main instrument although his clarinet was still played on an occasional basis. While Bechet played in an unchanged New Orleans style throughout his life, he was a sophisticated soloist who enjoyed playing current American popular songs in addition to some of the old standbys. His soprano playing dominated ensembles and employed a wide vibrato. Bechet was a world traveler although he made many of his finest recordings while back in the U.S. during 1938-42. In 1949 he had a great success in France and soon he settled in Paris where he was treated as a national hero.
After having studied with Bechet, it took Bob Wilber some time to fully escape his influence. He played at a French festival with Mezz Mezzrow in 1948, served in the military and studied with Lennie Tristano. He led a modern swing group called The Six, played with Eddie Condon, and by 1960 when he recorded Spreadin' Joy, Wilber was primarily a clarinetist. While his style is touched by Benny Goodman and he hints in spots (mostly purposely) of Bechet, Wilber had his own sound by then.
Spreadin' Joy features Wilber performing songs either written or performed by Bechet. Several numbers (“Where Am I,” “Little Creole Lullaby” and “Who'll Chop Your Suey When I'm Gone”) were receiving their first recordings. Wilber is joined by guitarist Barry Galbraith (who takes some of his finest recorded solos), pianist Dick Wellstood, bassist Leonard Gaskin and drummer Bobby Donaldson while some of the selections also include trombonist Vic Dickenson and trumpeter Dick Cary. In addition to his clarinet, Wilber is also heard on tenor (an instrument he should have played more often) and bass clarinet.
"Bob Wilber, Sidney Bechet’s protégé in the ‘40s, has long had his own sound. On Spreadin’ Joy, Wilbur plays clarinet, his rarely heard tenor and bass clarinet, performing songs either written or performed by Bechet including three that received their debut on this set. Guitarist Barry Galbraith, pianist Dick Wellstood and trombonist Vic Dickenson are among the co-stars on this swinging set.
Such tunes as “Polka Dot Stomp,” “Ghost Of The Blues,” “Spreadin' Joy” and “Quincy Street Stomp” are a particular joy to hear. 50 years later, this CD is both a tribute to Sidney Bechet and to the inventive and still-active Bob Wilber. –Scott Yanow
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