Gone With The Wind

The "prime" of Buddy DeFranco has been an amazingly long one, capping even that of one of his boyhood influences, Benny Goodman. His powers have been subject to the closest examination in the company of some of the greatest jazz virtuosi Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and he was never found wanting, no matter the severity of the challenge. His musical times have been indeed both remarkable and wonderful. Since the 1970s DeFranco has frequently travelled abroad as a star soloist. He has also frequently acted as his own recording producer, putting together new groups which, once "played in", he has taped on location, as was the case here. If this is your introduction to Buddy DeFranco, you are in for a treat. For the CD at hand is comprised of magnificent playing by the most creative bebop clarinettist we are ever likely to hear.