****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is a great record. The alternate takes let us hear Zoot talking to the band. He sings/hums the intro to "Jive at Five" and banters with McKenna on the alternate take of "Changes Made". These guys enjoyed this session and it shows. Zoot plays completely different solos on the alternate takes. The Basie numbers "Jive at Five" and "Doggin Around" are really exciting. The two takes of "Changes Made" are also great. The unissued and slower take shows what a beautiful tone Zoot possessed. The issued take has a wonderful modulation to a samba tempo toward the end that shows what a terrific rhythm section this was.The recorded sound lets you feel like you are sitting in the middle of the quartet. You hear every accent crisply and clearly.While the tunes are not originals, they are not exactly standards in the jazz repertoire either. This band plays it all with enthusiasm. Zoot gives a master-class on how to swing. His sense of time is unbelievable!
