Classics 1940-1942

This set continues the chronology of Slim Gaillard's recordings made in the '30s and '40s. He's joined--with the help of various personnel--by his Flat Foot Floogee Boys on all tracks except four, in which his Royal Rhythm Boys provide accompaniment (and those actually date from 1939, the album title notwithstanding).
A constant through nearly all of the selections is bass player Slam Stewart. The two first teamed up in 1936 as Slim & Slam, scoring a hit with "Flat Foot Floogie", thus securing a unique place in the history of jazz. Gaillard would toss in bits of his own invented language with Stewart offering his own exuberant encouragement. Stewart also pioneered a style of bass playing that involved singing along with bowed notes, both in an accompanying and soloing role (for a fine example, check out "Bassology"). Throughout, hijinks and good humor are nicely wedded to inventive playing. This historical series is essential listening.|