Davemckenna_buddydefranco.youmustbelieveinswing... May 2026

The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz economy, featuring the rare and "magical" pairing of pianist Dave McKenna and clarinetist Buddy DeFranco . Recorded for Concord Jazz , the set consists of ten duets that bridge the gap between McKenna’s orchestral swing and DeFranco’s bebop-influenced virtuosity. The "Three-Handed" Rhythm Section

: DeFranco sheds his "technical" reputation on tracks like "Autumn Nocturne" and "Poor Butterfly," proving his depth as a ballad player.

: A mid-tempo swing riff that sets the tone for the entire session. Track Listing You Must Believe In Swing Invitation The Song Is You If You Could See Me Now Darn That Dream Autumn Nocturne Poor Butterfly You Must Believe In Spring Anthropology Detour Ahead (Piano Solo) davemckenna_buddydefranco.youmustbelieveinswing...

: Tracks like "The Song Is You" and Charlie Parker’s "Anthropology" showcase the duo’s technical precision and overlapping styles.

The album, inspired by DeFranco's legendary 1950s collaborations with Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, features a mix of "halsbrecherisch" (neck-breaking) tempos and tender ballads: The 1997 album is a masterclass in jazz

: He played continuous 4/4 walking bass lines that functioned as a one-man rhythm section.

: He delivered horn-like single-note solos and rich harmonic voicings. : A mid-tempo swing riff that sets the

This collaboration was so successful it led to a follow-up album two years later, Do Nothing Till You Hear from Us! , featuring guitarist Joe Cohn.