by Scott Yanow
One of the most competitive of all jazzmen, Bechet was well-teamed with the Louis Armstrong-influenced trumpet of Teddy Buckner on this spirited set from late in Bechet's life. Buckner is reasonably respectful but gets in plenty of hot licks during this Dixielandish session; a concert shortly afterward by the two would be very combative. This fine CD shows that Sidney Bechet never did decline or lose any of his formidable power.