In sheer color and variety, in the depth of its characterization and the exceptional range of refinement of its pianism, Hoefner imparts power and exceptional stature to the opener, “Hound’s Tune”, a re-imagination of the legendary Rufus Guinchard’s fiddler-on-the-rock masterpiece. Hoefner’s version is one which no amount of ‘bigness’ (the usual route taken by adapting musicians) can achieve. Here Hoefner’s cause is masterfully aided and abetted by Downing’s extraordinary con arco playing, a thing of beauty that few bassists playing today could hope to master.
