Live at J's, Pt. 2 in Bloomington, MN

On the second of two volumes, veteran swing violinist
Claude Williams
(81 at the time of this live recording) proves that he is still in top form. The repertoire is primarily swing standards and (with the assistance of guitarist
James Chirillo
, pianist
Ron Mathews
, bassist
Al McKibbon
and either
Akira Tana
or
Grady Tate
on drums),
Williams
is easily the main star of this swinging set. His violin solos are excellent (a little rougher in tone but near the level of a
Stephane Grappelli
) while his occasional vocals show plenty of personality. This is fine music that helps to put the focus on a much neglected swing stylist. ~ Scott Yanow