The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz economy, featuring the rare and "magical" pairing of pianist Dave McKenna and clarinetist Buddy DeFranco . Recorded for Concord Jazz , the set consists of ten duets that bridge the gap between McKenna’s orchestral swing and DeFranco’s bebop-influenced virtuosity. The "Three-Handed" Rhythm Section
The album, inspired by DeFranco's legendary 1950s collaborations with Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, features a mix of "halsbrecherisch" (neck-breaking) tempos and tender ballads: davemckenna_buddydefranco.youmustbelieveinswing...
: This allowed DeFranco, one of the few clarinetists to fully adapt to bebop , to soar with a freedom usually reserved for fronting a quartet. Performance Highlights The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz
: He delivered horn-like single-note solos and rich harmonic voicings. While duets often lack the drive of a
: Tracks like "The Song Is You" and Charlie Parker’s "Anthropology" showcase the duo’s technical precision and overlapping styles.
: He played continuous 4/4 walking bass lines that functioned as a one-man rhythm section.
While duets often lack the drive of a full band, this session needs no bassist or drummer. Dave McKenna was famous for a style: