Swing Live

leads a strong quintet through this intimate live set at , a Manhattan night spot. The seven-string guitarist is always game for anything, and with a superb group -- including nearly everyone's first-call bassist, , clarinetist , vibraphonist (who previously worked with , as did and the leader), and drummer -- the veteran leads his group through seven favorites from the era. The set sounds very relaxed and informal, as if the musicians were playing for their own fun and had no idea tapes were rolling. A snappy take of and an extended workout of are but two of the memorable tracks recorded that evening. Suffice to say that if you own more than a couple of CDs featuring , then you should pick up this very rewarding release. ~ Ken Dryden