Willie Smith: Alto Sax All-Time Great 1934-1956
Author: Alyn Shipton
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Steve Jordan (g) |
Label: |
Retrospective |
Magazine Review Date: |
May/2020 |
Media Format: |
2 CD |
Catalogue Number: |
RTS 4368 |
RecordDate: |
1934-1946 |
It’s about time that altoist Willie Smith had another collection devoted to his work, following the Ocium Sound of Distinction CD from 2002. A central element of the sound of the Jimmie Lunceford orchestra and then the Harry James band, both well represented here, Smith’s marvellous tone and flawless phrasing can be heard at its best on Ellington’s ‘Please Be Kind’ from June 1951. Temporarily replacing Johnny Hodges, he rose to that task, and the rest of this anthology shows just why he was so suited to the job. His own bands are maybe the pick of the remaining crop, especially his 1945 sextet with Howard McGhee and Lucky Thompson on tracks like Eddie Laguna’s energetic ‘Windjammer’, though he shines equally brightly on the small groups led by James and Gene Krupa. Digby Fairweather’s elegant liner notes are also an asset, giving a really helpful guide to Smith and his work, and not holding back from discussing his battles with nerves and alcohol. Hearing the confident poise of Smith’s playing it would be impossible to realise that this had been the case, and his quintet version of ‘Sophisticated Lady’ with Dodo Marmarosa from 1947 is simply a masterpiece (despite a yellow card level quote from ‘Stormy Weather’). Well done to Retrospective for keeping this fine musician in focus.
Alto Sax All-Time Great 1934-1956
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