Exactly Like You - Wild Bill Davison 1906-1989

This enjoyable concert not only features cornetist Tom Saunders' "Wild Bill Davison Legacy Band" (consisting of Saunders, trombonist Bill Allred, clarinetist Chuck Hedges, tenor saxophonist Danny Moss, pianist Johnny Varro, guitarist Marty Grosz, bassist Isla Eckinger and drummer Butch Miles), but three numbers showcase the frontline of cornetist Dick Sudhalter, trombonist Roy Williams and baritonist John Barnes. All three reeds are heard on "Exactly Like You," and the full 11-piece group romps on the final three numbers; in addition, Jeanie Lambe has a spirited vocal on "Milenburg Joys." Although no one ever duplicated the sound of Wild Bill Davison (Ernie Carson has come the closest), he would have enjoyed this outing by his associates. Highlights include "Sleep," Varro's piano feature on "Echoes of Spring," "Struttin' with Some Barbeque," "Doin' the New Lowdown" and a riotous version of "Beale Street Blues."