Details

Field of Interest

Jazz

Content Type

Music recording

Duration

1 hour 5 mins

Format

Audio

Sub Genre

Mainstream Jazz, Swing

Label

Prestige

Page Count

15

Performer

Bud Freeman, 1906-1991, Shorty Baker, 1914-1966, Claude Hopkins, 1903-1984, George Duvivier, 1920-1985, J.C. Heard

Date Recorded

1962-08-23

Release Date

2003

Review

Bud Freeman is heard with three separate small groups on the All Star Swing Sessions compilation. He's paired with Shorty Baker and Claude Hopkins for the first eight tracks, including swinging treatments of standards like "Love Me or Leave Me" and "But Not for Me," plus originals composed by the group for the sessions, such as the snappy "Hector's Dance" and the sassy "Shorty's Blues." Freeman's work on tenor sax is smooth as silk, while Baker primarily sticks to muted trumpet. Bassist George Duvivier's imaginative lines and J.C. Heard's strong drumming help to propel the proceedings. The next three selections come from a date led by bassist Leonard Gaskin that is a truly Dixieland affair. The sextet is expanded to a nonet for a swinging "Darktown Strutter's Ball," easily the highlight of the date. Finally, a vintage sextet meeting with ill-fated trumpeter Bunny Berigan, Eddie Condon, and Claude Thornhill showcases Freeman on both clarinet and tenor sax in his upbeat original "The Buzzard" and his delicious bluesy "Tillie's Downtown Now," titles which also reflect his sense of humor. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Subject

Jazz, Music & Performing Arts, Swing, Swing

Keywords and Translated Subjects

Swing