Search - Zoot Sims :: Suddenly It's Spring

The uncompromising style that made Zoot so memorable

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 08/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Zoot Sims was a remarkably consistent player throughout a career that started in the 1940s and lasted until his death in 1985. Although this quartet album was recorded in 1983, it sounds like it could have been recorded at any time during that period. The warm, expressive sound and melodic improvisations that made Zoot one of the top tenor sax players in jazz are clearly in evidence here.

The opening tune "Brahm's... I Think" goes back and forth between Latin and swing with Zoot on soprano sax - an instrument he picked up well into his career. (The minimal liner notes neglect to mention the soprano, crediting Zoot only with tenor.) The rest of the tunes are a mix of ballads (nice interpretations of "In the Middle of a Kiss" and "Never Let Me Go") and light swing and blues. Very enjoyable listening, and a good choice for romantic mood-setting music."

Hot!

Oldrnwisr | Centerville, Iowa | 03/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Zoot Sims came into my life when I heard him sing - yes, sing - a song on a jazz album I bought as a fundraiser for a children's hospital. I started frantically searching for his albums and to my dismay, that one vocal seems to be it for him! I wish I could share it with his many fans. It is "I Can't Get Started" and he does a great job with it. Anyway, "Suddenly It's Spring" is one of his best albums in my opinion. Plaintive and introspective in places and glad to be alive in others, he takes you through his moods and when it's over, you want to play it again. Buy this album, sit back and listen to great jazz. And if anyone out there knows of other vocal recordings by him, please post the info."

Vintage Zoot

Bill Gallagher | San Jose, CA USA | 12/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Beautiful! Like having your back rubbed. The combination of Jimmy Rowles and Zoot is magic. The downside on this CD is that it's only 44 minutes long."