Last Encounter: Hollywood Bowl 1963

Bobby Hackett gets first billing on this CD but he is actually only on the first of the two live sets. The first seven selections feature cornetist Hackett and trombonist Jack Teagarden teaming up for what was apparently the final time at a July 26, 1963 Hollywood Bowl concert. The septet also features clarinetist Bob McCracken, altoist Wayne E. Songer and pianist Ray Sherman with the music being primarily Dixieland standards other than Hackett's feature on "My Funny Valentine." The musicians all play fine, but it is the second and earlier date, which features Teagarden's 1960 sextet, that is actually more memorable. Trumpeter Don Goldie takes a few spectacular solos (and copies Louis Armstrong's vocal on "Rockin' Chair"), Teagarden sounds more inspired than on the other date, and there are fine spots for clarinetist Henry Cuesta and pianist Don Ewell. Both of these dates had been out before but only on collector's LPs so it is nice to have them more widely available on CD. Recommended to Jack Teagarden fans. ~ Scott Yanow|