Famous partnerships in jazz have jelled in jazz before – Venuti/Lang is one that springs, perhaps obviously, to mind – but none I am sure have made such instant impact as this Braff-Barnes combine. Cornet and guitar blend quite beautifully. Braff’s full, round tone, with his exquisite control of the bottom register, contrasting, yet in perfect concord with the slashing, crystal-clear guitar sound produced by Barnes. Both are exceptional soloists, but it is the way they harmonize and toss phrases back and forth like shuttlecocks, that gives so much undiluted pleasure to the listener. Melodic and tasteful, the material they play is all chosen for its harmonic possibilities and the chance to highlight the wit and musical cunning of the two solo protagonists.
But it is grossly unfair to refer only to Braff and Barnes, for it is the constant disciplined ensembles of the whole quartet that so strongly strike the ear. Wayne Wright, the most unselfish rhythm guitar, with Michael Moore, a truly exceptional bass player, both watch the two Bs like questing hawks and produce a light and lively rhythm that is really impressive in its swing. This is in fact a real quartet of outstanding music makers.
This is jazz played with consummate taste by four musicians who really understand the idiom, are happy in their work, and rightly appreciate each other’s capabilities to the full. Such groups occur all too infrequently – long may they last.
