Bobby Gordon & Dave McKenna - Clarinet Blue (2000)

This is a typically delightful small-group mainstream swing date, featuring the Pee Wee Russell-inspired clarinetist Bobby Gordon, pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Frank Tate and drummer Joe Ascione. The group performs standards from the 1930s and '40s along with a few slightly earlier tunes. The only departures are "Sweet Adeline," the relatively obscure "Gotta Be This Or That" and Gordon's fine original "Clarinet Blue." Other highlights include "It's Been So Long," "You're Driving Me Crazy," "Poor Butterfly" and "On A Slow Boat To China." With McKenna's strong basslines, swinging solos and sympathetic accompaniment, Bobby Gordon has a right to sound inspired! Fun music.