Stretchin' Out

The night was November 26, 1995; the club: 's on Richards in Vancouver; and the lineup with comprised on bass, on drums, and on tenor and baritone sax. They were touring with and this album captures the set before they brought "Spoon" to the stage. It was taped for 's program with host . Seven of the nine songs on also appear on 1996's . That one is truly a gem, but for fans who don't have it yet, one might recommend this recording instead. and are the only tracks that aren't on . Even if you do have , is still well worth the purchase because of the great extended jams and shoot-from-the-hip guitar licks you won't find anywhere else. sings a few bars on ' with no mic. You have to strain to hear him over the inevitable amplifier hums and crowd support of a live recording (one fan yells "Duke it out!"), but that's what makes it so cool and compelling. In addition to is a highlight. swings his way through a solo nearly as long as the song itself. This recording features plenty of his trademark Gibson jangle and ring, and a healthy dose of jump and swing tunes where the boys were definitely cookin'. leaves you wishing you had been in the club during this recording. Two thumbs way up! ~ Ann Wickstrom