SVEND ASMUSSEN/ Makin' Whoopee! ... and Music!

Although Svend Asmussen should be considered as one of the titans of jazz violin, he still isn't as widely known as Stuff Smith, Stéphane Grappelli, or Jean-Luc Ponty, likely in part because he hasn't toured as widely as the others, with most of his performing and recording taking place in Europe. But the spry Danish veteran, who recorded these sessions in the weeks prior to his 93rd birthday in the winter of 2009, has been the elder statesman of his instrument since the death of Grappelli. His superb rhythm section consists of pianist/organist/bassist Richard Drexler, guitarist Jacob Fischer (whose name was omitted from the credits on the back cover), and drummer Tony Martin. Many of the pieces are standards that have been in his repertoire for decades, including fun-filled treatments of "Makin' Whoopee" and "There Will Never Be Another You." The joyful "Singin' in the Rain" has Drexler simulating raindrops with a catchy vamp in the upper end of the piano as the leader offers his light-hearted solo, while Asmussen's lyrical setting of "Skylark" is sentimental without being syrupy. There are also timeless jazz pieces like the strutting rendition of "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" and a brilliant "Nuages" showcasing both Asmussen and Fischer. The violinist penned a pair of originals, highlighted by the soulful "Sermon for Stuff" (a tribute to the great violinist Stuff Smith, with whom he worked on numerous occasions after Smith moved to Denmark), with Drexler's gospel-infused organ and piano backing him. Perhaps this rare opportunity to hear Svend Asmussen on an American release will open a few more recording opportunities during the violinist's golden years. Highly recommended!