Shearing Takes the Dixieland Detour
A promising Dixieland detour that Shearing's own arrangements leave stiff and under-spirited.
Put a septet of horns and rhythm into a room and you hear the bright, crowded sound of Dixieland: clarinet and cornet tangling on top, trombone grumbling underneath, a steady pulse keeping everyone honest. That is what this record aims for. George Shearing in Dixieland is a 1988 session where the pianist, better known for his cool block chords and the quintet sound that made him famous, steps back to the roots of traditional New Orleans jazz and swings through a set of tunes meant to feel loose and loud.
The lineup gives it weight. Kenny Davern's clarinet and Warren Vaché's cornet carry most of the front-line personality, with Ken Peplowski's tenor and George Masso's trombone filling the middle, and Neil Swainson keeping time on bass. On paper it should jump. Tracks range from "Truckin'," "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Jazz Me Blues" to a Dixieland treatment of "Take Five" and a surprising "Lullaby of Birdland."
The trouble is in the writing. Shearing wrote out most of the ensembles, which drains away the spontaneity that Dixieland depends on. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow called it "a major disappointment," noting that Shearing hedged his bets rather than fully committing to the swing he had promised. The result is a session that is pleasant and competent but seldom catches fire.
For listeners, this is not where to start with Shearing. Start with his quintet recordings, which show what he does best. This one is for committed fans curious about his detours, or for anyone who wants to hear a strong lineup handed a restrained chart.
Who's playing
Neil Swainsondouble bass
George Shearingpiano
Ken Peplowskitenor saxophone
George Massotrombone
Kenny Davernclarinet
Warren Vachécornet
