Eddie Daniels/Roger Kellaway
Live At The Library Of Congress
IPO Recordings
www.iporecordings.com
By George W. Harris

For years, Eddie Daniels has been the standard bearer of clarinet
playing. His rich tone and jaw dropping technique is the dream of every
other guy (or lady) that’s tried to conquer the intrepid licorice
stick. He seems to veer towards duet records like this, as he’s
released material before with the likes of Mike Garson and Kellaway
through the years. This one, recorded in February of 2011, is another
strong addition to the Daniels canon, as the facile interplay between
these two giants is quite impressive.

Intriguing arrangements are a key to hot sonatas such as these, and the
two veterans make bold and exciting takes of “Strike Up The Band” and
“Somewhere.” Monk’s “Rhythm-a-ning” is filled with fun loving angles,
and a heartfelt reading of “America The Beautiful” satisfies on many
levels. Kellaway’s originals show him to be quite the composer, as his
“Capriccio Twilight” and “A Place That You Want To Call Home” deserve
to be played by larger ensembles as well. The textures here, however,
are quite overwhelming, as the digital dexterity of these technical
titans makes you want to go back to your scales, chords and long tones.