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If I had to choose one recording of George's that I came across on Amazon than that would have to be "Gems" with Joe Venuti. That being said, the tune choices are great. This is a good CD especially if your a George Barnes fan. His playing sounds more lively than on this recording. I love thier versions of "There Will Never BE Another You', 'Sunny Side of Street', and 'Cheek to Cheek." If you play guitar like me then there are a lot of great licks to "cop" but if you only have enough bucks for one CD then get "Gems" instead. He demeonstrates some great interplay with Ruby Braff and Mr Braff's solos are lyrical and wonderful. This isn't my favorite of the George Barnes material that's out there however.
These guys know their music and instruments well, and it comes through on this CD. Its like sitting in a jam session with some great musicians. If you really enjoy jazz guitar (a la Barney Kessel) this is the album for you. This is a very sharp recording of some great jazz standards by Ruby Braff and George Barnes. They are both not as well known (and underrated) to many jazz fans, but their style is distinct, crisp, and very fun.
if you listen close enough you will enjoy this more and more. a total pleasure. masterful guitar work from a much underappreciated musician's musician.
In conclusion, buy it. The recording is excellent too,it does a great job in capturing the beautiful tone that both Ruby and George coax from their instruments. This is the most enjoyable jazz album I bought during 2000, and in my opinion the Braff/Barnes quartet was one of the outstanding groups of the seventies. This is the best album by far that the Braff / Barnes quartet ever made,which is not to say that their other records are bad, they weren't, but this one is an absolute treasure, made better by including all the music recorded that night,unlike the original LP. Anyone with an appreciation for good music making cannot fail to be inspired and uplifted by this tasteful, humourous and sublime recording. They play so wonderfully together that it is difficult to single out any tracks as being the best,but my favourite numbers are "There will never be another you","Solitude", "Rockin' in rhythm" ,"Struttin' with some barbecue", and "It don't mean a thing". Ruby Braff must be the best cornet player in jazz,and George Barnes amongst the best swing guitarists of his time. But really the whole record is great, with the highest standards of musicianship from both the principals and Michael Moore and Wayne Wright on bass and rhythm guitar.Interestingly, the lack of a drummer doesn't stop the group swinging like crazy.
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