Pee Wee Russell › New Groove (with Marshal Brown)

Clarinetist Pee Wee Russell is best known for his Dixieland work. His expressive and spontaneous solos were the cornerstone of his trademark sound. Considered a major contributor to the jazz genre, Russell won two International Jazz Critics' polls at the time of this 1962 recording. Key tracks on this original Columbia recording include "My Mother's Eyes," "Old Folks," and "Pee Wee's Blues."

Personnel: Pee Wee Russell (clarinet); Marshal Brown (trombone); Russell George (bass); Ron Lundberg (drums).

Recorded in New York, New York in 1962. Originally released on Columbia (8785). Includes liner notes by Charles Edward Smith.

In 1962, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, who was closely associated with Dixieland and Eddie Condon even though he had a highly original style, began teaming up with valve trombonist/bass trumpeter Marshall Brown in more modern settings. Utilizing a pianoless quartet, Russell performed music that was a little reminiscent of Gerry Mulligan and often incorporated surprisingly modern songs. The musical partnership lasted for two albums, of which New Groove (originally recorded for Columbia) was the first. On this intriguing set, Russell, Brown, bassist Russell George, and drummer Ron Lundberg perform such songs as "Chelsea Bridge," "Moten Swing," "Good Bait," "'Round Midnight," and even John Coltrane's "Red Planet." Although their follow-up project for Impulse is more classic, this is a particularly intriguing set, with Russell and Brown making for a mutually compatible team. ~ Scott Yanow