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Don Weller/Bobby Wellins

Nine Songs

Trio Records TR577

In his notes to this enjoyable album, producer/bassist Andrew Cleyndert thanks tenormen Don Weller and Bobby Wellins for allowing 'us' (himself and pianist/arranger Mark Edwards) 'free rein', and well he might; given a programme of beautiful ballads (the saccharine 'Killing Me Softly' arguably the only misguided selection) supported by strings and occasional bursts of clarinet from Alan Barnes, the saxophonists produce characteristically flawless, affecting performances on everything from Mal Waldron's 'Soul Eyes' and Billy Strayhorn's 'Chelsea Bridge' to Chopin's 'Nocturne No. 15'.

The tenors take it in turns in the solo spotlight (a duo performance of Weller's 'Di's Waltz' apart), Wellins all attractively vulnerable wispiness concealing inner strength, Weller more overtly robust, his pleasingly foggy sound hardening to steeliness where required, but both mining their material for unaffected emotion and rhythmic subtleties.

Cleyndert, Edwards and consistently adept drummer Spike Wells support the whole proceedings with admirable delicacy but discreet propulsiveness, and the resulting album, its overall sound occasionally reminiscent of Art Pepper's 1980s classic Winter Moon, is that rare beast, a producer's idea that succeeds triumphantly.