Although
Flip Phillips was a mainstay of Norman Granz'
Jazz At The Philharmonic tours and recordings, Granz seldom put sessions around him, preferring to use him as a core group mainstay. This single-disc collection puts together a variety of performances beginning with a Howard McGhee session from 1947, and traveling throughout the 1950s showing
Phillips at his romping best. Highlights include "Three Little Words," "Singing the Blues," a be-bopping "Znarg's Blues" and a stately "If I Had You." Great playing from everyone aboard but
Phillips sounds best in the company of
Bill Harris on several tracks, and on a Buddy Rich Quartet session that closes out the disc. ~ Cub Koda