Ray Skjelbred & Jim Goodwin, Recorded Live in Port Costa (Orangapoid)
A couple of years ago I wrote about the night I discovered Jim Goodwin’s cornet playing and became an instant fan: “His solos had echoes and intimations of Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, Ruby Braff, Max Kaminsky and Wild Bill Davison. He wrapped all of that into a style of great individuality, intimacy, forthright conviction and humor.†This CD captures Goodwin and pianist Skjelbred in 1977, 32 years before Goodwin’s death. His solo on “Russian Lullaby†is pure joyous intensity, “Black and Tan Fantasy†a distillation of early Ellington and Bubber Miley. These previously unissued club performances come as a surprise and a treat.