CD Review: Lenore Raphael, Wayne Wilkinson & Chris Hodgkins @ Pizza Express Live, Dean Street, London

Chris Hodgkins (trumpet); Lenore Raphael (piano); Wayne Wilkinson (guitar).

(Review by Lance)

Think back to Sweets at The Haig or Jonah Jones at The Embers or Ruby Braff at the Guildhall complaining of the smell from the river. You've got all of that here and more (apart from the smell). For those, such as myself, who think of Chris Hodgkins only as a former director of Jazz Services the revelation that he plays such swinging, lyrical trumpet is a very pleasant surprise indeed.

Twelve choice standards and a blues credited to the trio serve to remind me what jazz used to be like.

The reader who recently caused some controversy re 'improv' would have no cause for complaint here it's one of those sessions that is just perfect. So much so that I doubt if even the addition of drums and/or bass could raise the bar.

The two Americans on piano and guitar provide the ideal cushion for Chris giving sympathetic support as well as delivering the goods solo-wise.   Raphael has the delicate touch of all the great accompanists such as Hank Jones, Don Abney or Ellis Larkins. Finding just the right chord at just the right time, a quality she shares with her regular stateside guitarist Wilkinson. They've got a good groove going whilst still leaving room for Hodgkins to slot in.

A worthy successor to Ruby Braff (and probably a nicer guy too!)

If you don't like this you don't like jazz.

Lance.

September in the Rain; Talk of the Town; Taking a Chance on Love; Alone Together; Everything Happens to Me; I Only Have Eyes For You; When It's Sleepy Time Down South; Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams; But Not For Me; Georgia on my Mind; PE Blues; Careless Love; Bernie's Tune.