Zoot Sims - The Swinger
Donnie The B | USA | 09/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Released originally in 1961 as PJ-20 on the fledgling Pacific Jazz label, "Choice" by Zoot Sims is now exceedingly rare on vinyl. (My copy was played to near death as I tried to play along with Zoot). Probably not too many CD's have been produced either. But if you want a great glimpse of a true giant of the tenor saxophone, this album is a fine choice - pun intended.
Side 1 is drawn from a collaboration with a Gerry Mulligan group in 1954, featuring Bobby Brookmeyer and Red Mitchell. Gerry, of course, is the musician most associated with the baritone sax. He was the arranger for the Miles Davis orchestra during "The Birth of The Cool" sessions. He also played piano, as evidenced on "There Will Never Be Another You". Side 2 was recorded during an Annie Ross back-up session in 1959. Zoot put together a tight quintet featuring Jim Hall on guitar and Mel Lewis on drums. Small groups really showcase Zoot well. He was known as a real "swinger", meaning that he had an inate sense of rhythm. No matter the complexity of his improvisation, he would not lose the beat.
You may also wish to check out Gerry Mulligan and The Concert Jazz Band albums now available in re-issue on CD. Zoot sat in with this great big band often."
