Search - Teddy Wilson :: Stomping at the Savoy

The elegant Teddy Wilson

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 08/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While on tour in England in June 1967, Teddy Wilson cut these sides for the Polydor label. Some are solo performances, others trio sides (Teddy with rhythm), and the rest with a Goodman-like quintet featuring Dave Shepherd on clarinet and Ronnie Gleaves on vibes. The quintet sides are interesting in that the group does not try to copy note-for-note the Benny Goodman recordings that had Lionel Hampton on vibes. Shepherd is not a Goodman clone, but plays in a somewhat restrained, inflective style, and Gleaves is as close to Terry Gibbs as he is to Hamp. Gleaves also likes to double his note output without doubling the tempos. The group plays very relaxed, especially on HONEYSUCKLE ROSE (both takes). The trio and solo sides, of course, showcase Teddy, probably the most elegant yet swinging jazz pianist that ever lived. Ever an inventive player, he does a compelling scalier thing on STOMPING AT THE SAVOY, while playing in a forceful manner. His playing can be gorgeous (I CAN'T GET STARTED, MOONGLOW) and no matter what the tempo swings delightfully and brightly. These are excellent performances and should please Wilson fans immensely."