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Chuck Hedges and Allan Vache: Clarinet
John Sheridan: Piano
Howard Elkins: Banjo and Guitar
Jack Wyatt: Bass
Jim Vaughn: Drums

1. Undecided

2. You Took Advantage Of Me

3. China Boy

4. After You’ve Gone

5. Memories Of You

6. Oh, Baby!

7. Potato Head Blues

Jazzology Records – JCD - 131
Produced by George H. Buck Jr.
Photos by Robert Byler
Recorded June 1982 at Memphis Jazz Festival

Liner Notes

By George “Doc” Ryan
The first Memphis Traditional Jazz Festival held on a warm and wonderful weekend in June, 1982. An All-Star group led by “Wild Bill” Davison including Chuck Hedges on clarinet; Jim Beebe, trombone; Joe Johnson, piano; Milt Hinton, bass; and Barrett Deems, drums was featured along with San Antonio’s Jim Cullum, Jr. and his Jazz Band. Sheri Connor, featured vocalist on the riverboat Mississippi Queen, joined the All-Stars for classic jazz vocals. “Sound like a grand weekend,” you might say. Then something happened that electrified the audience and lifted a fine festival into the class of a unique and wonderful event. Chuck Hedges and Allan Vaché had never met before the Friday night and had never played together when, needing to put on a last unscheduled session on Saturday, I asked them if they would consider doing a number together. They were intrigued and since the Jim Cullum Jazz Band’s rhythm section was set up on the stage (John Sheridan, piano: Howard Elkins, banjo and guitar; Jack Wyatt, bass; and Jim Vaughn, drums) they agreed to accompany the two clarinetists.

Such unions are rarely made, even in heaven! From rippling piano introduction by John Sheridan on “Undecided” until the final improvised riff that closes “Oh, Baby!” , this recording recreates the excitement of great musicians joined together in a magical moment that will probably never be repeated.