zzTimes - "...late swing era stuff with some bop influence....[Catlett] plays forcefully and coherently. [Gerald] Wilson also improvises with power and lucidity, and [Bumps] Myers and [Illinois] Jacquet also impress."|
Rovi
's been said that Big Sid Catlett was the complete drummer, able to play with boppers and moldy figs alike and any kind of musician that fell in between those two opposite poles. Certainly his sense of time was impeccable and his soloing always flowed from the most musical of impulses. This collection brings together all the titles that were issued under his name during the '40s, featuring names like Illinois Jacquet, Ben Webster, Charlie Shavers, Oscar Pettiford, Willie Smith, Al Casey, Barney Bigard, Art Tatum, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Pete Johnson in the various lineups. Kicking off with a spoken introduction from Sid and a live recording of "Rose Room" taken from a V-Disc, these are delightful recordings in a variety of settings that show off the versatility and innate musicality of Catlett's swinging ways. ~ Cub Koda|
Rovi