Arne Astrup is best known for the discographies he has compiled for some of his favorite saxophonists (including
Stan Getz,
Zoot Sims, and
Brew Moore) but the Dane has also been a fine tenor soloist for over a half century. This 1994 CD, despite technically covering a 47-year period, mostly features
Astrup during two periods. The first nine numbers are taken from a ten-song set in 1983 during which
Astrup performs swing standards and a few basic originals. His backup group (either a quartet or a quintet) is functional but not distinctive, swinging somewhat anonymously;
Astrup, however, sounds fine. In addition, he is heard sounding a bit like
Coleman Hawkins on a previously unreleased 1944 version of "I Found a New Baby" with Arne Skibsted's Orchestra, on ten songs from 1956-1958 with small groups (his cool tone during this period is reminiscent of
Stan Getz), and on a lone number ("Gone with the Wind") from a 1991 date. The music overall is not essential, but collectors of European straight-ahead jazz will find this release of interest.