Tab Smith - Top 'n' Bottom (1997) CD-Rip

The third CD volume of altoist Tab Smith's United recordings features 21 selections, 14 of which had never been released before. The music ranges from Johnny Hodges-type small-group stomping swing and R&B-ish jump sides to sentimental ballads and a few vocal numbers (featuring unidentified singers). Among the personnel are trumpeter Irving Woods, pianist Teddy Brannon and drummer Walter Johnson. Accessible and fairly creative jazz, conservative for the early '50s but still quite enjoyable.

Tracks:

01. Top 'n' Bottom (2:50)
02. My Ideal (3:19)
03. Mr. Gee (2:49)
04. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (2:59)
05. Prisoner of Love (3:17)
06. Rock City (3:06)
07. In a Little Spanish Town (2:45)
08. For Only You (instrumental) (2:52)
09. Tabolino (2:44)
10. Imagination (2:53)
11. The Moon Is Blue (2:54)
12. Lady of Love (3:14)
13. I'm a Bouncin' Mama (2:31)
14. For Only You (vocal) (3:19)
15. How Long Has It Been (3:08)
16. If You Believe in Me (3:06)
17. Crying My Blues Away (3:15)
18. Baby Please Don't Go (2:41)
19. Don't Take Your Love from Me (3:22)
20. They Call Me a Fool (3:06)
21. Zig Zag (2:33)

Personnel:

Tab Smith - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Irving Woods - trumpet
Charlie Wright, Robert Darby - tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
Teddy Brannon, Lavern Dillon - piano
Wilfred Middlebrooks, Lloyd Anderson - bass
Walter Johnson - drums
Recorded on November 17, 1953 - August 26, 1954.