The Digital Page: Page Two

Page Cavanaugh first made history in the mid- to late '40s, leading a popular trio that included guitarist Al Viola. Four decades later Cavanaugh and Viola started teaming up again on a regular basis with bassist Allen Jackson in a highly enjoyable trio. Cavanaugh's piano playing had (if anything) grown in power and creativity through the years while exploring the same modern swing style that he had earlier helped to popularize. For this CD (taken from the same session that had resulted in the equally satisfying Page One), the trio stretches out on nine memorable standards plus Cavanaugh's "An Old Acquaintance"; the leader's vocals on three songs are quite personable. Highlights include "Too Marvelous for Words," "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry," "As Long As I Live," and "Baby, Baby All the Time." Both Starline CDs are highly recommended.