Customer Reviews

Al & Zoot

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Recorded sessions like this abound, and often they disappoint. The excitement we felt catching two tenor giants lock horns on the stage just doesn't wear that well on disc. Al and Zoot, along with Ammons and Stitt, represent the exceptions. And even after allowing for the consistency of the players, this particular album stands out from the pack.

Give credit to Cohn's arrangements--not elaborate but sufficient to insure this is not merely another jam session. Then there are those two engaging voices: Zoot has the lighter, brighter sound that just gets your spirits dancing; Al produces a tone that emanates from deeper in the intestines and complements Zoot's swinging lyricism by taking a more narrative, logical path. Above all, either player's is an inimitable, immediately identifiable personal voice.

Finally, you just don't hear rhythm sections these days that contribute so much while calling so little attention to themselves. Each of Mose Allison's piano solos is a carefully crafted gem, beginning with his laconic but productive statement on an undeservedly forgotten tune, "It's a Wonderful World."

Let's hope this one doesn't stay out of print for long.

An Outstanding album, powered by Al Cohn's inventive arrangements and originals which makes the date much more than just a mere jam session. Zoot and Al play their butts off throughout with great tones and swinging, fully developed ideas. A special treat is "Two Funky People" where the two saxists deploy their rarely heard clarinets for a slow bluesy performance. Also of interest is a young Mose Allison on piano.
Highly recommended!

When I started getting into "hard-bop" a few yrs. ago, and I heard "AL & zoot", I fell in love w/ this CD!! I even did some "PAUSE-MIXING" on cass. tape. This is the BADDEST album to date for me. I really cannot describe their style really, but I must say they are "TOO-SMOOTH." They stand out like "sore thumbs" so-to-speak on this CD, but their accompianments are outstanding as well. The bass, keys, and drums are dope! I just bought a laptop and was able to burn the cd, so it sounds clearer also... When I'm done typing these comments, I"m going to order some more AL & ZOOT from AMAZON. They're (amazon.com) is the best too!