Jeremy Cohen - A Taste of Violin Jazz (1998)

Violinist, leader and guiding light Jeremy Cohen, with assistance from pianist-arranger Larry Dunlap and their friends, give the listener a grand sampling of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar swing renditions which emphasize Cohen's violin prowess but - particularly because of Dunlap's arrangements - also give plenty of space for bright solo (and duet) improvisations by such bandsmen as saxist Jim Rothermel, drummer Colin Bailey, guitarists Dix Bruce and Paul Mehling, vocalist Maria Muldaur and Dunlap himself.

This fun set features violinist Jeremy Cohen mostly in the role of Joe Venuti, playing hot trad jazz and swing with a variety of personnel in small combos. Cohen swings hard, has inventive ideas within the tradition, and performs such numbers as "After You've Gone," "Humoresque," "Goin' Places," and "Honeysuckle Rose." Singer Maria Muldaur makes two welcome appearances and the sidemen (mostly from the San Francisco Bay Area) fit into the vintage music quite well. Worth searching for.~A Taste of Violin Jazz Review by Scott Yanow