Ruby Braff - As Time Goes By..

Ruby Braff is one of the jazz icons. Although he didn’t begin recording until the early fifties, he began playing the trumpet in 1935 and so was familiar of giants like Willie “The Lion” Smith, Jack Teagarden, Pee Wee Russell and the intellectually-impaired trombonist George Brunis (“Ironhead” to his colleagues).

He key to Braff’s music is its honesty and directness and thus it would appeal to all. It is firmly based in melody and thus when Ruby extemporises on a theme., his inventions may be fleet and intricate but they are always based on logic.

On the other hand, they are also fired by such a huge and very unusual imagination. Coupled to his gorgeous tone and facile valve work they make up the components of a jazz giant.

The various consummations here are so palpable as not to need describing yet it’s worth noting the wide range of material on this disc which was recorded in concert at the University College School, Hampstead, London on 16th May 1991. Ruby Braff (cornet) was joined by sidemen Howard Alden (guitar) and Frank Tate (bass).