Description
A Swinging, Lively Joy
Al Casey's incisive yet relaxed style makes him a natural choice as the main man for this imaginative and vigorous session. Here's jazz history grabbed by the ear - Casey is important in the history of jazz guitar style. But forget history - this swinging and lively album is a joy. Casey's playing better than at any time in his illustrious career. If you want to hear the instinctive greatness that makes a jazz, giant, listen to Al's buck-jumping on Hold Out Baby. This is the eternal blues that is the backbone of jazz, and Al had the gift for it. More than any other guitarist he was able to use the amplified instrument in the manner of an acoustic. When the definitive Body And Soul was cut by Coleman Hawkins in New York in October 1939 Gene Rodgers was the pianist on the session. Although he plays magnificent piano throughout the set it must be noted that he brings a special authority to the Casey version here. The backing for the two Americans by Len Skeat and Ronnie Verrell is both sympathetic and imaginative. Len is simply an automatic choice. And those who thought of Ronnie only as a big band drummer won't find a better small-group performance than he gives here. But the day belonged to Al Casey. Who else can relax and roar at the same time'
Additional Details
Label: JSP Records
Genre: Jazz
Release Date: 04/24/12
UPC: 788065882624
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