Noted for his impeccable studio work on countless TV and film scores, UCLA professor and clarinestist Gary Gray puts out a release of his own that displays a wide variety of sounds and styles that is a wonderful mix of jazz and modern classical.
On the vintage jazz side of things, Gray’s stick with Kenny Burrell on “Blue Muse” is a wondrous treat, and finds the guitarist in a fascinating light. A take of “Lush Life” with Juliette Gray’s voice, arranger Bill Cunliffe’s piano and Gray’s tenor sax fits a perfect mood of ennui, while the pianist does some excellent arranging for a series of clarinet/piano duets of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Three Preludes.” More modern classical sounds are evoked on “Three Short Stories for Clarinet & Bassoon” as well as a “Blending for Clarinet & Violin” that have the multi-segmented pieces creating thoughtful chamber musings. All throughout, Gray’s tone is rich, fluid and warm, like a cool late afternoon breeze on a warm day.
Centaur Records