This single CD reissues an earlier
Jimmy Rushing two-LP set, leaving off two cuts due to lack of space.
Jimmy Rushing, who may very well have been the definitive male big band singer, sticks mostly to blues and Kansas City swing on the release and is backed by a variety of top swing all-stars, including most notably tenor saxophonist
Buddy Tate, trumpeter Emmett Berry, and trombonists
Lawrence Brown and
Vic Dickenson. The sidemen receive plenty of space for concise solos, particularly pianists
Pete Johnson and
Sammy Price. The performances (plus the 11 other songs that are awaiting reissue someday) are among the most rewarding of
Jimmy Rushing's post-
Basie career and are full of joy and timeless swing. ~ Scott Yanow