Big Bands At The Savoy Vol 1

Recorded by the armed Forces Radio Service for its “One Night Stand Series”, this set by Cootie Williams is representative of the band’s general output and style in that the leader’s trumpet playing provides the central focus and musical interest. Besides Cootie’s magnificent playing throughout, the main interest here is the young Charlie Parker, whose impatient entrance on the Sextet’s “Floogie Boo” heralds the new way of playing. The narne of Luis Russell (1902-1963) will forever he associated with some of the greatest jazz of the 20s but here in 1945, as one will hear on this set was rather typical of the period. However, the band does come to life on the Basie-ish “Kansas City Holiday”. “Bolero At The Savoy”, “The Honeydripper” and “Windy”, which all offer some good Roy-to-Dizzy trumpet, the contrasting approach of the now fully warmed up tenormen. and the propelling drums of future bebop great Roy Haynes!