Search - Zoot Sims, Tony Scott, Al Cohn :: East Coast Sounds

Serious swing from the 50's

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 11/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like small group swing, but especially cleverly arranged charts for the small ensemble versus just head-solo-head, this is a real treat. Recorded in 1956 and featuring some of the era's best swingmen, this disc showcases tenors Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, along with trumpeter Joe Wilder and Urbie Green on trombone not to mention Trigger Alpert on bass, Eddie Shaughnessy (of later Tonight Show fame) on drums and Tony Scott on clarinet. Cohn doubles on bari occasionally for those tunes that hint of a "four brothers" influence. 10 charts in all with arrangements by Marty Paich, Dick Hyman and Scott. Highly recommended."

Zoot Arrives in New York!

Donnie The B | USA | 09/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An interesting group put together in 1956 - probably just to record this album. Zoot Sims was one of the top tenor men in LA in the early 1950's. About 1955 he moved to New York to seek more fame and fortune, not to mention more consistent work. This album was quite a surprise, as I was not familiar with the original vinyl LP release - which must be quite rare. I've seen a lot of records, but have never seen an original vinyl copy of this.

If you're a Zoot Sims fan, you should really add "East Coast Sounds" to your collection. Swingin' charts arranged by Marty Paich and Dick Hyman really show what can be accomplished with some forethought. Some jazz albums just feature solos around a theme with very little ensemble work. When you arrange charts for a given group, you can create a more cohesive and interesting sound, while still allowing room for inventive solos. I was not familiar with Tony Scott (clarinet) or Joe Wilder (trumpet) but both acquit themselves admirably here. Al Cohn is his usual well-accomplished self, both on tenor and baritone sax. Urbie Green is one of the more well known trombone names of this period and typically does a very nice job. The rhythm section keeps things swingin', featuring Ed Shaughnessy on drums."