Chuck Hedges No Greater Love CD

Although he has been a top clarinetist for over 30 years and a popular attraction at classic jazz parties and festivals, clarinetist Chuck Hedges has had relatively few opportunities to lead his own record dates; in fact, this Arbors CD was his first session as a leader in nine years. Pianist Eddie Higgins (showcased on his "Magnolia Rag"), bassist Bob Haggart and drummer Gene Estes are swinging and supportive of Hedges, who is in top form on such numbers as "There Is No Greater Love," "Samba Dese Days," and "Cheek to Cheek." A superior advanced swing date. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Starke Lake Studios, Ocoee, FL (12/07/1992/12/08/1992).

Chuck Hedges: Clarinet, Eddie Higgins: PianoBob Haggart: Bass, Gene Estes: DrumsCommentary by Eddie HigginsOn a warm, humid afternoon in December, 1992, a group of veteran jazz musicians gathered in Orlando, Florida to make a recording. Although all of them were friends and had worked together in various combinations before, this would be their first time in a recording studio as a quartet, and the producer was anxiously awaiting the first sign that his hunch was correct: that these four would work smoothly together and be able to strike the sparks of inspiration that distinguish a truly memorable recording date from one that merely goes through the motions. He didn't have long to wait: from the first take it was obvious that the rhythm section was compatible and there would be no time wasted in getting to the heart of the matter.

The first tune illustrates perfectly this chemistry: "There Is No Greater Love" has been a musicians' favorite since it was written by Isham Jones in 1936. Bob Haggart has been an admired bass player since the mid-30's, and he and Gene Estes (drums) and I (piano) felt perfectly at ease with this time-honored standard. Chuck Hedges, on clarinet, is also no stranger to fine tunes (he picked all the material for this session) and the result was an inspired performance: swinging, fluid and articulate.

Personnel: Chuck Hedges (clarinet); Eddie Higgins (piano); Gene Estes (drums).

Liner Note Author: Eddie Higgins.