About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

During 1956-1958, cornetist Bobby Hackett led one of his most advanced groups. Usually associated with conventional Dixieland and swing for which his horn sounded unusually lyrical and melodic, Hackett with this sextet performed a more adventurous and unpredictable brand of small group swing, not only playing standards but Django Reinhardt's "Swing 39," a few Willie "The Lion" Smith songs, and even Benny Golson's "Whisper Not" (though this version has a few particularly odd notes in the melody statement). With Bob Wilber on reeds, John Dengler on tuba and bass sax (with no string bass being used), and Dick Cary often contributing the arrangements, Hackett's horn was heard in a unique setting. The music would ultimately not be influential and the band made no studio recordings, breaking up altogether in 1958, but it served as an interesting departure in Hackett's career. This double-CD has all of the existing recordings of the group. While the performances had all been released previously, the sound is better this time around and the performances remain quite intriguing. Starting with a sextet comprised of Hackett, Wilbur, Ernie Caceres on clarinet and baritone, pianist Pinie Caceres, Dengler, and drummer Buzzy Drottin, the group evolved with Dick Hafer taking Caceres' place, Dick Cary taking over on piano, and in 1957, Tom Gwaltney on clarinet and vibes succeeding Wilbur. Very interesting music. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

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