Skinny Williams, Erwin Helfer - St. James Infirmary (2003)

Tracklist

01. St. James Infirmary
02. Trouble In Mind
03. These Foolish Things Remind Me of You
04. Ain't Misbehavin
05. Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out
06. Please Send Me Someone To Love
07. Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue
08. Honeysuckle Rose
09. It's Only A Paper Moon
10. When You Wish Upon A Star
11. Pooch Piddle
12. See See Rider
13. Stormy Weather
14. Back at the Chicken Shack

This duo date matches two veterans of the Chicago jazz and blues scene, pianist Erwin Helfer and tenor saxophonist Skinny Williams. The songs they cover draw from jazz, blues and R&B, yet all come together in very soulful settings. Williams' heavy vibrato adds to the mournful theme of "St. James Infirmary" along with Helfer's moving accompaniment. They turn boisterous in their jaunty take of Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'," as well as their gently swinging approach to "Honeysuckle Rose." Helfer delves into a gospel feeling with his stirring introduction to Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love." He shows off a bit of stride piano in their playful rendition of the old chestnut "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue." The pianist's "Pooch Piddle" is a modified form of boogie-woogie, which shifts the rhythms around a bit more. Whether your preference is blues or jazz, there's plenty to enjoy within this delightful duo meeting.

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