Stuff Smith - Cat On A Hot Fiddle (Deluxe Edition) (2026)

In 1959, violinist and vocalist Stuff Smith, who by then had been on the scene for more than two decades, recorded a full-length album over two sessions with two different rhythm sections: one featuring Red Mitchell on bass, the other Shirley Horn on piano. The public knew Smith mainly as a novelty entertainer and singer, the creator of the 1936 hit “I’se A-Muggin’,” and many thought he was past his prime. This album proves otherwise: it presents Smith as a brilliant jazz violinist. The program includes standards — Duke Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Strike Up the Band,” and “Nice Work if You Can Get It” (a moderate tempo, but hard swinging) — as well as vocal numbers “Oh, Lady Be Good” and “Somebody Loves Me.” His dizzying bowing pushes the band to its limits, and the record is regarded as a welcome addition to the canon of jazz violin.

Tracklist:
1. Stuff Smith - Undecided
2. Stuff Smith - The Man I Love
3. Stuff Smith - Oh Lady Be Good
4. Stuff Smith - Nice Work If You Can Get It
5. Stuff Smith - Take The "A" Train
6. Stuff Smith - Blue Violin
7. Stuff Smith - They Can't Take That Away From Me
8. Stuff Smith - Somebody Loves Me
9. Stuff Smith - 'S Wonderful
10. Stuff Smith - Nice And Warm
11. Stuff Smith - Strike Up The Band
12. Stuff Smith - A Foggy Day
13. Stuff Smith - I Loves You Porgy
14. Stuff Smith - Fascinating Rhythm
15. Stuff Smith - Love Is Here To Stay
16. Stuff Smith - Whatcha Gonna Do, When You Dance Past 42? (Whatcha Gonna Do, Baby, With My Lovin’?
17. Stuff Smith - Up Jumps Sally
18. Stuff Smith - Up Jumps Sally (Version 2)
19. Stuff Smith - Miracles
20. Stuff Smith - Play (AKA Timme’s Blues)