Search - Zoot Sims :: Zoot at Ease

Great tenor and soprano sax

Steve Frazier | Seattle | 07/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The opening track, "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" is worth the price of a CD alone. Prior to this I'd only heard Zoot Sims on tenor, but his soprano sax playing here is wonderful. This album also features Hank Jones, piano; Milt Hinton, bass; and Grady Tate and Louie Bellson on drums -- all notable jazz stars in their own right.



Originally this was recorded on the independent Famous Door label in 1973; it's re-released here with bonus alternate takes that are as excellent as the master tracks that were recorded.



This is terrific, straight-ahead small combo jazz performed by masters. Like all of Zoot's best music, it swings quietly but very very hard; he has such an innate sense of phrasing and rhythm that he's always a joy to listen to. Highly recommended."

Solid Set

John F. Temmerman | Skokie, Il United States | 02/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great playing from Zoot, in the prime of his career. The best sone is a wonderfully warm soprano sax rendition of Softly as in a Morning Sunrise. The CD features great tenor and soprano playing on a wide variety of tunes. The bonus tracks are 5 alternate takes that add over 25 minutes to the original recording.This is a great set for fans of Zoot's playing."