Lover by Brian Carrick's Heritage Jazz Quartet

22 Mar

Written by Richard Bourcier
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Brian Carrick is one of the most dedicated clarinetists on the New Orleans revival scene today. The reedman travels internationally to perform in concert and on records with traditional jazz groups around the world.

It’s Carrick’s unwavering admiration of the late George Lewis that endears him to his legion of fans in Britain, North America and Europe. His mission is not to blindly copy the notes played by his idol, but to interpret and preserve the energy and the spirit that made Lewis the influence that he was.

This new album is comprised of the clarinetist’s most-requested tunes and all are delivered without the benefit of his usual septet format within his Algiers Stompers. Carrick responds perfectly to the additional demands placed upon him in the quartet atmosphere. It’s great to hear Jelly Roll Morton’s 1925 Golden Leaf Strut played by a clarinet and rhythm. The old favorite later went on to become Milneburg Joys and was performed by Bunk Johnson and George Lewis in 1945.

Switching seamlessly back and forth between clarinet and tenor sax, Brian Carrick and his fine rhythm section have put together a fine selection of material to please any New Orleans fan. This writer especially enjoyed the old hymn, In The Upper Garden with a neat solo by bassist Bill Cole. Nice stuff!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Brian Carrick's Heritage Jazz Quartet
CD Title: Lover
Genre: Traditional / New Orleans
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Jazz Crusade
Tracks: Wait Till The Sun Shines Nellie; Careless Love; Golden Leaf Strut; Lover; Maggie; My Josephine; Sweet Fields; Alexander’s Ragtime Band; Collegiate; When I Grow Too Old To Dream; Should I?; In The Upper Garden; I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now; My Life Will Be Sweeter Someday; The Eyes Of Texas.
Musicians: Brian Carrick (clarinet, tenor sax, vocals); Malcolm Hurrell (banjo); Bill Cole (bass); Malc Murphy (drums).
Label Website: http://www.jazzcrusade.com
Rating: Four Stars