Jazz Nocturne, Vol. 2: Bunk & Bechet in Boston

Personnel: Sidney Bechet (clarinet, soprano saxophone); Bunk Johnson (trumpet); Ray Parker (piano).
Recording information: Savoy Cafe, Boston, MA (03/24/1945-04/07/1945).
The music on this CD, the second of five discs put out by the Jazz Crusade label, traces the short-lived quintet co-led by Sidney Bechet and Bunk Johnson in 1945. Unfortunately, Johnson's drinking led to the trumpeter being erratic and soon leaving the band, but Bechet (on clarinet and soprano) is in excellent form and there are some good moments on this CD. The co-leaders are backed by pianist Ray Parker, bassist Pops Foster, and drummer George Thompson on such numbers as "Royal Garden Blues," "I Know That You Know," and "Muskrat Ramble." The music on this disc is taken from three radio broadcasts and, in addition, there are two brief interviews. Nothing too essential but an interesting acquisition for Bechet and Johnson fans. ~ Scott Yanow