Although sometimes issued under the names of
Coleman Hawkins and
Pee Wee Russell, the two great jazzmen don't actually appear together on this early-'60s compilation. The music, which is performed by two all-star groups with arrangements by either
Jimmy Hamilton or
Al Sears, is generally modern swing.
Hawkins' band is comprised of trumpeter
Joe Newman, trombonist J.C. Higginbottom, clarinetist
Hamilton, altoist
Hilton Jefferson, and a four-piece rhythm section. Pianist
Cliff Jackson plays "I Want to Be Happy," and clarinetist
Russell's outfit also features trumpeter
Joe Thomas, trombonist
Vic Dickenson, and both
Al Sears and
Buddy Tate on tenors. Nothing all that memorable or innovative occurs, but the performances are enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow