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Live at Luthjen's
I have been a fan of clarinet wizard Evan Christopher for many years. This live recording at the New Orleans venue, Luthjen's, pairs him with the highly regarded pianist David Torkanowsky. I had the pleasure to see them some years ago as part of a band backing Germaine Bazzle that included Jason Marsalis on vibes. This set of duets is a thoroughly captivating set of performances of classic jazz songs and originals that showcase their instrumental talents and the empathy they have for each other.
The bluesy, velvety tone pf Christopher's clarinet is matched by Torkanowsky's sleet, fluid piano playing that ranges from traditional jazz to bop-accented. The performances are often imaginative as what starts out as a wistful rendition of "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" segues into a choro-inspired interpretation. On "Sid's Biz," which I believe is inspired by Sidney Bechet, Christopher's spirited playing is supported by Torkanowsky channeling the spirits of Professor Longhair and James Booker. A wonderfully paced "Make Me a Pallet on the Floor" showcases Christopher's singing playing while "Rollin' the Jent" sounds like a boisterous reworking of "Ballin' the Jack." Then there is the beguiling "Melody For Jaco," with the woody clarinet tone complemented by a delicate piano backing.
Among the other performances is a reflective "Jitterbug Waltz," and a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower is a Lonesome Thing." It was a marvelous evening of music at Luthjen's, the evening this was recorded as can be heard from the audience applause. Its availability is very welcome. It is available as a download from Bandcamp, https://evan-christopher-clarinet-road.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-luthjens, and as a CD from the Louisiana Music Factory (louisianamusicfactory.com). Evan Christopher's website is www.clarinetroad.com.
I purchased this recording as a download. Here the two perform "Jitterbug Waltz."
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