A great compilation of some of the best.
T. Maddison | London | 06/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The last years of Pee Wee Russell's career finally saw jazz's ultimate individualist break free of the dixieland shackles and produce the best music of his career. Russell was a truly unique stylist even by jazz standards. Lyrical, searching, romantic, almost avant garde in some of his approach, he was imprisoned for much of his career in Eddie Condon's dixieland band.His revival wasn't all plain sailing, as well meaning producers attempted to fit him into other ill-fitting musical suits of a different cut, but with a sympathetic band of solid, unflashy perennials such as Buck Clayton, Russell really was free to unwind his unique, querulous poetry. The music on this album can't be recommended too highly - the spellbinding "Midnight Blue" is worth the price of admission alone."
An Essential Classic Disk
J. Pour | 11/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Off the charts. Five stars just isn't enough.
The next paragraph is a copy of my comments on Pee Wee's "Ask Me Now".
"I love listening to Pee Wee. I never took to Goodman or Shaw or DeFranco. They were simply too smooth, big time and clever in a seemingly calculated way. They could never soulfully satisfy me the way that Pee Wee does. He just put more heart into his special art. He doen't put out that sound perfect tone or have lighting speed on the horn, but his gravely tone, phrasing and heartfelt and enthusiastic interpretations are special."
Working here with some of the best jazz players of the time. All at the peak of their game."
A jazz fan discovers Pee Wee Russell
Edward Jahn | 07/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like 50's and 60's jazz, or jazz from any period, you will enjoy this "Swingin' with Pee
Wee" CD. Although I have music by many of the jazz greats, I did not know of Pee Wee Russell
until recently when I heard him on the radio.
Pee Wee is joined by other fine musicians such as Buck Clayton on trumpet, Tommy Flanagan on
piano, Bud Freeman on tenor sax and Osie Johnson on drums.
You will enjoy this compilation of some great tunes."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
