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Smooth as Zoot. There is almost too much to commend on this afternoon informal let-the-tape-recorder-run session.
So when Sims joined pianist Joe Castro, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Ron Jefferson at Falcon’s Lair, the estate of Castro’s then-wife Doris Duke, he led off with an amalgamated style that had a singular defining aspect—swinging melodicism. Castro had good recording equipment and recorded at what was then a high level—15-IPS—so the sound was and is exceptional.
But more than the sound is the quality. This never-before released material is the only extant album where Sims played only alto—and it has a life of its own. Sims sparkles, and as he plays one understands where Jack Kerouac got much of his inspiration. “A Night In Tunisia;” “Pennies from Heaven;” his driving performance on “J.C. Blues”; “East of the Sun...” and more make this exemplary.
Buy this and play the heck out of it.
~~~
Zoot Sims:
Live at Falcon Lair (Pablo)
Release Date: 27 April 2004
Personnel:
Zoot Sims (alto saxophone); Joe Castro (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Ron Jefferson (drums)
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last update 27 October 2004