Jazz Nocturne 5: Bocage & Bechet in Boston

Personnel: Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone); Peter Bocage (trumpet); Ray Parker, George Thompson, Brad Gowens.
Subtitled "Jazz Nocturne 4," this is the fifth of five CDs taken from soprano-saxophonist Sidney Bechet's stay in 1945 at Boston's Savoy Café, and the second one in which he uses Peter Bocage on trumpet. Bocage, although more consistent than his predecessor, Bunk Johnson (who had caused Bechet much misery), was still not quite right for the group (which also included pianist Ray Parker, bassist Pops Foster and drummer George Thompson), being easily overrun by the dominant Bechet. This 1999 CD has three radio broadcasts including one on May 15 that, due to Pops Foster's absence, has valve trombonist Brad Gowans in his place (as if he could really fill in for a string bass). Actually Gowans' presence does make the ensembles more exciting, but without Foster, drummer Thompson was inspired to bang away excessively on his bass drum and pianist Parker's striding is purposely heavier. Despite that, the music is generally fine and it makes one wish that Bechet had retained Gowans on the final May 17 date. Without the third horn as an ally, Bocage is easily overshadowed by Bechet and one is not surprised to learn that he soon decided to go back to New Orleans. This set (which has some occasionally scratchy surface noise) is primarily of interest to Bechet collectors. ~ Scott Yanow