Jimmy Rushing – The Scene – Live in New York – High Note 7196, 52:46 ****:
(Jimmy Rushing, vocals; Zoot Sims, tenor sax; Al Cohn, tenor sax; Dave Frishberg, piano; Major Holley or John Beal, bass; Mousey Alexander, drums)
Jimmy Rushing was one large man, so much so that he was referred to as “Mr. 5×5,” due to his short height and big girth. His voice was booming, yet not in a low register. Primarily a blues belter, Rushing was most known for his extended stay with the Count Basie Orchestra from the mid 30s until 1950, when Basie’s band temporarily broke up. Rushing then “retired” for a bit but soon reformed a septet and also in the late 50s formed a quintet with Zoot Sims and Al Cohn, two tenor stars who provided consummate lower key backing to Jimmy’s blues vocals.
High Note has just released a compilation from New York jazz clubs of this quintet. The Big Apple clubs have not been identified, nor has the second piano player when Dave Frishberg was not on the keyboards. Either Major Holley and John Beal completed the rhythm section and Mousey Alexander handled the drums. Jon Rosenberg remastered the ten selections and the sound presented in these live recordings is certainly passable, with primary focus on Rushing – the horns sound a bit distant in the mix. Rushing still had his pipes in the late 60s and with a backing band of this caliber you can’t go wrong. Track selections are largely standard and on The Red Door and It’s Noteworthy, Rushing sits out and we get the chance to hear Cohn and Sims weave their magic alone.
Frishberg, as he continues to show today, is a brilliant piano accompanist for vocalists. Standouts here are Deed I Do, as well as I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me, where the audience spurs both Rushing and the tenors on. The Red Door and It’s Noteworthy, the two instrumentals, find Cohn and especially Sims inspired and on a tear in a bop vein. Goin’ to Chicago is a straight blues and Frishberg’s blues runs are featured. Rushing digs in on vocals as the tenors show their blues pedigree. The inclusion of Everyday I Have the Blues is a natural as Rushing shows he can put his stamp on this most famous of blues tracks.For fans of both Rushing and Cohn and Sims, this would be a fun purchase as the relaxed jam session vibe of these club dates ages like fine wine.
TrackList: Deed I Do, Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You?, I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, I Want a Little Girl, The Red Door (instrumental), Goin’ to Chicago, I Cried for You, Everyday I Have the Blues, It’s Noteworthy (instrumental), Good Morning Blues
– Jeff Krow
