Morning Thunder

by Scott YanowThis is an odd and rather interesting record. Eddie Daniels, who at the time was still largely unknown, plays clarinet and occasional alto in commercial settings while backed by a large rhythm section, reeds, strings and even some voices; typical for an overproduced Columbia album of the period. The material is largely forgettable but Daniels' clarinet playing is so brilliant that he completely overcomes the surroundings and drastically uplifts the music. Although not on the level of his upcoming GRP projects, this out-of-print LP is surprisingly rewarding.