Black Magic

AMG Review of Black Magic

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The music on this collector's LP was probably recorded around 1967, with the 16 concise performances most likely taken from radio performances. The great clarinetist Buddy DeFranco is in excellent form on eight instrumentals with a quintet also featuring pianist Jimmy Rowles and guitarist Howard Roberts. In addition, the group backs the swing-era veteran singer Helen Forrest on eight standards; she was still in prime form 20 years after her greatest commercial successes. A nice swing album, this record is highlighted by "I Had the Craziest Dream," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Soft Winds," "Who Cares," and "You Turned the Tables on Me."