One of the nice things about the revival of classic jazz styles has been the appearance of instruments not originally associated with older styles. Guitar, for instance, wasn't a common lead instrument until bop came along in the 1940s. In 2003, however, no one blinks when veteran clarinetist Kenny Davern is joined by guitarist James Chirillo on Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong tunes. Davern and Chirillo are joined by bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Tony DeNicola for an inspired set recorded At the Mill Hill Playhouse. Captured in one day with little fuss, these players bounce ideas off one another like seasoned road warriors, each offering just the right amount of support and space for the others to shine. The highlight of the disc is the showstopper It's Tight Like That. Davern and Chirillo push one another forward, ratcheting up the overall intensity. The clarinet soars above the band while the guitar, working as a counter voice, digs deep into the groove. After a bass solo, Davern jumps back in, trading short lead lines with Chirillo for the grand finale. There's nothing sluggish on At the Mill Hill Playhouse. There are good takes on My Gal Sal and Wild Man Blues, and a blazing closer, Diga Diga Doo. This disc will please clarinet, guitar, and traditional jazz fans, but will also please anyone with discerning taste. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi

1		I Want to Be Happy
2		Someday Sweetheart
3		It's Tight Like That
4		Wabash Blues
5		My Gal Sal
6		Wild Man Blues
7		My Blue Heaven
8		Lazy River
9		Diga Diga Doo

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