Album Review
Bobby Gordon and Dave McKenna: Clarinet Blue
Bobby Gordon and Dave McKenna: Clarinet Blue
by Mike Neely
Clarinetist Bobby Gordon and pianist Dave McKenna have teamed up with Frank Tate and Joe Ascione to produce a quartet recording that is soulful in a low-key, swinging way. Gordon plays a rich toned, introspective clarinet with an emotional range that incorporates hesitancies and doubts, which plays off well against the seemingly casual virtuosity of McKenna. In fact, the setting brings out some of the best in McKenna as he plays in a more pared down, single note style quite …