Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 10/12/2004
One of the great alto saxophonists to emerge from the
swing era,
Tab Smith had a few instrumental hit records for the
United label in the 1950s and recorded extensively for the company.
Crazy Walk is the fourth and final collection of all of his
United recordings and, of the 24 selections, eight were previously unreleased. The music is mostly small-group
swing, often with organist
Sam Malone leading the backup group. While
Smith's playing of the time sometimes hinted a little at
R&B, his gentle approach meant that he really was not a honker or screamer. The performances, which were meant for jukeboxes, are quite concise, with
Smith getting in a few solo choruses before the songs end. Overall, this set and its three predecessors are enjoyable, and
Delmark has done a perfect job of reissuing the now obscure music.
~Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
;)
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