Sidney Bechet: Sidney's Blues
Track
Sidney's Blues
Artist
Sidney Bechet (clarinet, soprano sax, vocals)
CD
The Legendary Sidney Bechet (RCA/Bluebird 6590-2-RB)
Musicians:
Sidney Bechet (clarinet, soprano sax, vocals),
Sonny White (piano), Charlie Howard (guitar), Wilson Myers (bass), Kenny Clarke (drums)
.Composed by Sidney Bechet
.Recorded: New York, February 5, 1940
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
After Sonny White's fine rolling piano, rather like a simplified pre-boogie, sets the mood, Sidney Bechet takes a rare turn singing, in a pleasing lower to mid-range tenor. He swings along for three choruses in a marvelously jivin', jazzy, cool '40s-style vocal, with great phrasing, soulfully drawing out key words, the rest of the band comping in support. Next Bechet grabs his clarinet for a soulful, sliding run, then quickly switches to soprano sax for a scintillating, soaring solo to wrap things up. This is most enjoyable music, especially the rare treat of Bechet's vocal. Some superb instrumentalists are lousy singers and shouldn't be on record (boogie pianist Roosevelt Sykes comes to mind), but Bechet acquits himself admirably.
Reviewer: Dean Alger
Tags: 1940s jazz · jazz vocals · soprano sax
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