Search - Hal Smith's Rhythmakers, Rebecca Kilgore :: Concentratin' On Fats

Rebecca Kilgore is the star here...

Aaron Bacerra | 12/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hal Smith a very talented drummer who started playing jazz in Disney Land, is now one of the leading names in the Trad Jazz Festivals, he tours with his Roadrunners which consist of the same group here with clarinet virtiouso Bobby Gordon, Hal Smith on drums, a bass player, and Rebecca Kilgore on rhythm guitar and vocals, Kilgore is one of the best rhythm guitarists on the west coast, and is also one of the finest vocalists of classic jazz standards and obsurities alike. On this CD Hal Smith leads a hot small group much in the tradition of Fats Waller in the 30's. Kilgore is the star here singing and playing guitar on all 20 plus tunes, and Gordon takes some very swinging and beautiful solos, Kilgore who is obviously influenced by Lee Wiley, Mildred Bailey, and most of all Maxine Sullivan, has a sound all her own, she consistantly swings and her voice is absolutely pleasurable. This CD has more obscure Waller tunes, including Concintratin' On You, probabaly the most recocnizabble of them all, all of them being forgotten gems. This Cd is essentail for fans of small group swing, and good jazz oriented swing singing. Recommended highly."

Terrific album/great singer

E. C Goodstein | Northern CA United States | 01/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can only echo the sentiments in the other review. This
is a wonderful album in '30's style. They have a tremendous
swing style, & Becky Kilgore is a dynamite singer of this
'swing with a smile in her voice' style. And Fats Waller's songs are absolutely great (a few rarities I think on this session too)- catchy fun, touching & a sophistication all their own. Love it-- check out Rebecca Kilgore's albums with Dave Frishberg too. Ed"