I'm of the opinion that a good song, make that a good jazz song, is worth repeating. I was, therefore, quite eager to hear Mark O'Connor and his trio's take on the Errol Garner classic "Misty" on the new release, "In Full Swing". "Misty," of course, has been done any number of times, and was even the title gimmick of a Clint Eastwood movie. But add O'Connor's elegant violin and the satin vocals of Jane Monheit and you've got a winning combination. The treatment is all jazz, albeit some distance from Garner's piano.

Monheit also helps out on "As Time Goes By", displaying emotion and good phrasing. Forget that the tune is always associated with a Bogart movie; just listen to the opening passage and appreciate what O'Connor is doing. One small gripe: the short scat passages could go. No big deal, they're just a few bars and don't detract from the overall arrangement.

Listen, really listen, to this material. There's something about the finish of these songs. O'Connor ends each tune with careful precision and a nod to those of us that pay attention to the very last notes with attentive ears.

The Mark O'Connor Trio consists of O'Connor on violin, Frank Vignola on guitar, and Jon Burr on bass. Oh, and you'll hear some guy named Wynton Marsalis on trumpet. It's a solid, consistent sound, dare I say even unique for the jazz audience. After all the saxophones, pianos, guitars, and other instruments that typically front jazz groups, it's a fun switch to hear a violin leading the charge.

Above all else, this collection is an appreciation of both Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt; O'Connor is obviously paying homage to the two pioneers. Even the original "One Beautiful Evening", penned by Vignola, that closes the disc is a sly chapter in a jazz book that could've been written by Reinhardt. I'm taken by the creative combination of instruments on "In Full Swing." O'Connor and company have their house--and their sound--in order. This is toe-tappin' stuff, and really, shouldn't most jazz fall into that category?

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Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio

In Full Swing

Released: January 14, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Stereo RunTime: 57:15
Multi-Channel Run Time: N/A
Tracks: 10
Stereo Mix Produced by: Steven Epstein & Mark O'Connor
5.1 Mix Produced by:N/A
Re-mixed by: N/A
Mastered by: N/A
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Hybrid: No
Label: Sony Classical
Website: www.markoconnor.com

In Full Swing
Honeysuckle Rose
Tiger Rag
Misty
Stephane and Django
Fascinating Rhythm
3 For All
As Time Goes By
Limehouse Blues
One Beautiful Evening