This double-CD documents a concert by a group of swing all-stars dominated by
Count Basie
alumni: trumpeters
Buck Clayton
and
Emmett Berry
, altoist
Earle Warren
,
Buddy Tate
on tenor, trombonist
Dicky Wells
, pianist
Al Williams
, bassist
Gene Ramey
and drummer
Herbie Lovelle
. While the group is fine on the first disc playing five instrumentals (including three of
Clayton
's lesser-known songs), they really come alive on the second CD when they are joined by the great swing/blues singer
Jimmy Rushing
. Mr. Five by Five not only is in strong voice on three standards and three famous blues but he inspired the other musicians to play some hard-swinging and colorful solos. It is for
Rushing
's performance that this set is chiefly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow