Slim Gaillard - Slims Jam Rare Recordings Never Before On CD - 780674244121

This budget CD only has around 36 minutes of music, but the three four-song sessions feature guitarist-singer-comedian Slim Gaillard in prime form. Four of the numbers ("Flat Foot Floogie," "Dizzy Boogie," "Poppity Pop" and the classic "Slim's Jam") are famous, for they teamed Gaillard, bassist Bam Brown, pianist Dodo Marmarosa and drummer Zutty Singleton with altoist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and Jack McVea's tenor. The other two dates are rarer and lesser known but also quite rewarding, mostly putting the focus on Slim and Bam; pianist Wini Beatty takes two vocals and there is solo space for trumpeter Howard McGhee, tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson and (sticking to clarinet) Marshall Royal. "Chicken Rhythm" is certainly unique, while several of the other numbers have some hard-swinging playing. Easily recommended to Slim Gaillard fans. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide