Kenny Davern & Flip Phillips - Spanish Eyes

1998 CD reissue.

Clarinetist Kenny Davern and tenor-saxophonist Flip Phillips have enjoyed playing together on an occasional basis since 1977. This CD, recorded live on the S/S Norway during the 1995 Floating Jazz Festival, finds the pair in prime form. Assisted by pianist Derek Smith, guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Joe Ascione, the two reeds sound quite inspired by each other's presence. In addition to ballad features (Davern on a surprisingly slow "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," and Phillips on "All of Me") and a happy romp on "Royal Garden Blues," Davern and Phillips perform three originals; best is the clarinetist's catchy "Elsa's Dream" and Phillips' "Flip's Dido." The final number, a lengthy "Lover Come Back to Me," finds altoist Phil Woods joining the band and digging in; the results are quite joyous. This set lives up to its potential.

Scott Yanow ~ AllMusicGuide