Jay McShann - The Big Apple Bash (1978) [2013 Japan 24-bit Remaster]

Pianist Jay McShann has spent much of his career being classified as a blues pianist when in fact he is a flexible swing stylist. On this excellent release, McShann appears with two groups of all-stars. His original "Crazy Legs and Friday Strut" and "Georgia on My Mind" find him joined by Herbie Mann (on flute and tenor), baritonist Gerry Mulligan and a rhythm section that includes guitarist John Scofield. The other selections (two standards, Duke Ellington's "Blue Feeling" and McShann's own "Jumpin' the Blues") are performed by an octet also featuring Mann, altoist Earle Warren, trumpeter Doc Cheatham, trombonist Dicky Wells and Scofield. The unusual grouping of swing, bop and modern stylists is successful (the material is pretty basic) and Janis Siegel's guest appearance for a vocal duet with McShann on "Ain't Misbehavin'" works.


Tracks:

01. Crazy Legs & Friday Strut
02. Georgia On My Mind
03. Dickie's Dream
04. Ain't Misbehavin'
05. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water
06. Blue Feeling
07. Jumpin' The Blues

Personnel:

Jay McShann / piano & vocals
Herbie Mann / flute, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Gerry Mulligan / baritone & soprano saxophones
John Scofield / guitar
Jack Six / bass
Joe Morello / drums
Sammy Figueroa / percussion
Earle Warren / alto saxophone
Doc Cheatham / trumpet
Dicky Wells / trombone
Eddie Gomez / bass
Connie Kay / drums
Janis Siegel / vocals
Milt Hinton / bass