Erwin Helfer / Skinny Williams - James Infirmary

Skinny Williams follows a long tradition of great Chicago tenor saxophonists, from Gene Ammons to Von Freeman, whose playing is steeped in a blues, soul, and jazz gumbo. Erwin Helfer is a master Chicago blues and jazz pianist, with a longstanding, traditional Chicago style. Together, Skinny and Erwin play blues, jazz standards, and ballads. Their interpretations of 'St. James Infirmary', 'Trouble In Mind', 'These Foolish Things Remind Me of You', 'Nobody Knows You When You Are Down And Out', and 'Please Send Me Someone To Love' are incredibly sweet yet sorrowful at the same time. Their versions of Waller's classics 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Honeysuckle Rose' are innovative and still true to the stride style. Skinny even does some honking on 'Pooch Piddle' and 'Back at the Chicken Shack'. This CD will delight both blues and jazz fans. It sounds as if Skinny and Erwin are performing a club date right in your living room.