For fans of small-combo
jazz from the '40s (pre-bebop, that is),
Hot Lips Page's many sides offer that perfect marriage of
jazz licks and
blues atmospherics. And although
Page wasn't necessarily a trumpet ace in the league of
Armstrong or
Cootie Williams, his irrepressible style and raspy-to-bright tone usually enlivened most every date he graced (just check out his early work on
Bennie Moten's epochal 1932 recordings).
Page also could have made a handsome living just as a
blues singer; his was a gruff and driving voice equally at home on both the serious and novelty end of the form. This Classics release brings together a fetching mix from
Page's 1940-1944 freelancing prime, with a large dose of his vocal work getting nicely framed by the day's top
jazz players. Two highlights from the first part here include "Evil Man Blues" and "Just Another Woman," two of
Page's best vocals featuring
Leonard Feather on piano and
Teddy Bunn on guitar. The majority of the remaining tracks are ones
Page and his band cut in 1944. Amidst the prevailing after-hours mood, there's a wealth of fine soloing by the likes of
Don Byas,
Chu Berry,
Lucky Thompson, and
Vic Dickenson. This disc might not make it into any
jazz polls, but it's a solid collection for those who love
Page's infectious style and sophisticated jump grooves. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
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