Search - Bob Schulz & His Chicago Rhythm Kings :: Oh! Play That Thing!

Hot and Swinging

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 11/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bob Schulz is a hot cornet player in the "west coast" yerba buena mold. He played in Turk Murphy's band for many years before leading his own combos and is probably today's premiere example in the Lu Watters tradition.



This cd is somewhat of a departure from Bob's particular idiom in that the rest of the band are known as Chicago style players. Mike Karoub's string bass, rather than the usual tuba, is the most notable difference.



The trombone of Bob Havens and Tom Fischer's clarinet complete the front line and add memorably to the proceedings. It's always nice to hear the warm toned and tasteful Bob Havens. Tom Fischer, too, is a terrific player with a tone and attack that came from the Pee Wee school. It's a thing of beauty to hear these guys playing alongside Schulz's cornet lead.



Mark Shane's piano playing here, and on numerous other discs, is a model of understated perfection. He's got all the chops in the world, yet seems to add just the right amount of pianistic flair to each song. He's the consumate team player.



Marty Grosz's participation on this disc is what initially attracted me to have a listen. I don't think he's ever made a bad recording and I'm sure he helped a little in the creation of this fine item. He sings on just one tune and his splendid rhythm guitar is heard throughout.



Mike Karoub's bass playing is choice and he works well with drummer Hal Smith to drive the band along in Condonesque fashion. The groove these guys get will keep your toes a tappin' and elevate your spirits.



The band breathes life into 14 old songs. Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jimmy McHugh, Spencer Williams, Gus Kahn, King Oliver, and others wrote these timeless melodies and the musicians on this cd perform them with refreshing originality. It's an infectious blend of the old and the new...and it swings like the proverbial garden gate."