Jazz Nocturne, Vol. 4: Bocage & Bechet in Boston

Personnel: Peter Bocage (trumpet); Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone); Ray Parker (piano).
Liner Note Author: Colin Bray.
Recording information: Boston, MA (05/01/1945-05/10/1945).
In the spring of 1945, soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet attempted to co-lead a New Orleans jazz band with veteran trumpeter Bunk Johnson, but before their residency at Boston's Savoy Café was half completed, Bunk had drunk himself out of the band. Bechet then sent to New Orleans for his old associate Peter Bocage, but Bocage only lasted a month. The trumpeter's playing was too gentle and laid-back, and he was also a little past his prime. This CD, which has selections from three radio broadcasts, generally find Bechet overpowering Bocage. It quickly becomes apparent that the music would be better if the soprano great were simply being featured in a quartet without trumpet. There are some good moments along the way (particularly from Bechet) on such numbers as "After You've Gone," "Oh Lady Be Good," and "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise," but these performances are mostly of historic interest. ~ Scott Yanow