Sessions Live: Jack Teagarden/Teddy Buckner

A series of rather brief live LPs were issued by Calliope during the mid-'70s, though the label seems to have folded quickly. Like others in this series, the two separate sets come from the audio portion of television broadcasts, although none of the personnel on either side is identified on the album jacket, other than the leaders. Jack Teagarden's band includes trumpeter Tommy Thunen, clarinetist Jerry Fuller, and pianist Don Ewell. Even though all four tracks are rather brief, Teagarden shares the solo spotlight with his sextet, as well as adding his vocals to his matchless trombone in "After You've Gone" and "If I Could Be with You." Teddy Buckner's set is not quite as interesting, particularly due to the run-of-the-mill renditions of familiar fare like "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." None of his band's personnel can be identified for sure, though the clarinetist and soprano saxophonist is likely Joe Darensbourg. Best is the rendition of Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo," which sticks close to the composer's original interpretation. While this is hardly an essential LP, fans of Jack Teagarden will want to scour used record stores to turn up a copy.