Pianist Sir Charles Thompson's first three sessions as a leader (all originally cut for Apollo) are reissued in full on this valuable Delmark CD. Actually, as good as
Thompson plays (his main influence was always
Count Basie), it is not surprising that he is often overshadowed by his all-star sidemen. The first date (four titles) finds him heading a septet that also includes altoist
Charlie Parker, trumpeter
Buck Clayton, and tenor saxophonist
Dexter Gordon.
Thompson is also featured in a septet with trumpeter
Joe Newman and baritonist
Leo Parker that resulted in four songs and three alternate takes, plus a ten-piece group with both
Newman and
Taft Jordan on trumpets and altoist
Pete Brown. This CD not only has the original two titles from the latter date, but two previously unissued songs and a pair of alternates. With the exception of
Charlie Parker and
Dexter Gordon, the music is generally swing-oriented with basic originals and concise (but colorful) solos. Highly recommended.