Track Listing
1. This Is My Lucky Day
2. Marie
3. I Can’t Get Started
4. It’s Been So Long
5. Did I Remember?
6. Someday You’ll Be Sorry
7. There’s Something in My Mind
8. I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good
9. Song Is Ended But the Melody Lingers On
10. Give My Regards to Broadway
11. I’m Comin’ Virginia
12. Willow Weep For Me
13. Yesterdays

This Bluebird CD reissue brings back seven of the nine selections that trumpeter Ruby Braff recorded with an impressive octet that also included trombonist Benny Morton, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, tenor-saxophonist Dick Hafer and a rhythm section led by pianist Nat Pierce. The material, superior swing standards highlighted by “It’s Been So Long,” “I’m Comin’ Virginia” and “Did I Remember,” features several tributes to the great Bunny Berigan, putting the emphasis on Braff’s passionate horn although Russell gets in some of his unique licks. The remainder of this CD reissues half of an earlier LP, the complete session of Aug. 19, 1957. Braff is matched with fellow trumpeter Roy Eldridge for an interesting but slightly inhibited affair; there are few of the expected fireworks between these normally fiery players. Despite the excess of mutual respect, there are quite a few strong moments, particularly on “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “This Is My Lucky Day” and “The Song Is Ended.”