Unlike their other collaborations, this meeting between clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and pianist Oscar Peterson puts the emphasis on ballads, with a few stomps thrown in, and finds them joined by a string orchestra arranged by Russ Garcia. The ten Gershwin songs are given respectful and melodic treatment and are joined on this 1998 CD reissue by "new" second takes of "I Wants to Stay Here" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." However, one is left a touch disappointed that more heat was not generated by DeFranco and O.P. Garcia's string arrangements are unadventurous and unfortunately weigh down the date a bit. A decent but not too memorable outing. ~ Scott Yanow|
Rovi