Jazz
With the exception of the closing track, "Ya Ha Ha", these songs were all recorded live at New York City's Birdland club on six different dates in 1951. Guest musicians include Art Blakey, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Terry Gibbs, Slam Stewart, and Billy Taylor. This is a well-paced and varied album thatoffers up many of Gaillard's longtime favourites to a highly appreciative audience.
"Laughin' In Rhythm" is here heard at its most infectious as Slim gets the audience laughingalong for a final chorus. Throughout it all Gaillard's hybrid invented hipster language enchants and delights as he either introduces songs or exchanges goofy banter with Slam Stewart. While this was not a multi-track recording, well-places mics captured the performances with a warmth that celebrates the band interplay. |
