Ruby Braff

by Alan Greenblatt

Ruby Braff was born too late, a naturally swinging musician who was a tad young during the heyday of the big bands. Now in his 70s, Braff has been releasing some of the best jazz CDs of recent years on a small label, Arbors Records.

Braff plays cornet but his big, round, mellow tone makes it sound more like a flugelhorn. He often likes to start his solos at a low pitch, making a slight growling noise, and he knows how to sell a slow ballad.

A solo on his original composition, "The Doodle King," featured on his latest CD, "Born to Play," is typical of his latter-day uptempo work. He starts out playing a bunch of short notes all bundled together but quickly begins to pick up speed, playing longer lines in a flurry while steadily rising in pitch. He slows back down for a fresh variation on the theme, building up the energy a second time only to stop a bit abruptly, stepping out of the spotlight in favor of the other musicians.

Braff on his recent efforts has been a generous host to guitar players and "Born to Play" showcases Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli, who supplied the guitar playing for Woody Allen's current "Sweet and Lowdown." (Don't believe the critics who are calling it his best film in 10 years. It contains a pair of interesting performances and it's certainly an improvement over last year's egregious "Celebrity," but it's one of his pictures that doesn't hang together, and the scenes and jokes that don't work are in the majority.)

The liner notes don't give you any help in picking Alden's and Pizzarelli's solos apart, but Alden plays in characteristically supple, smooth lines, while Pizzarelli is more of a strummer. Both match Braff in their ability to move a melody along with irresistible propulsive force while sounding totally relaxed.

They play in front of a third guitarist, Jon Wheatley, who offers them the same "comping" support that the non-guitar soloists enjoy. The CD also features two bass players and a drummer but no piano, creating an open, airy sound.

Some of Braff's CDs for Arbors have been recorded live, including my favorite, "Controlled Nonchalance at the Regattabar," from 1994. Braff and his buddies play the sort of jazz you dream of hearing live in some bar, great melodies played in a manner so skillful and loving they chase all the bad thoughts out of your head.