Maxine Sullivan always had a cheerful and subtly swinging style. This formerly rare release (originally on the Period label) finds her interpreting a dozen numbers that have the lyrics of Andy Razaf including such classics as "Keeping out of Mischief Now," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Memories of You" and "Ain't Misbehavin'." Joined by a sextet reminiscent of
John Kirby's group of 15 years earlier (and featuring such
Kirby alumni as trumpeter
Charlie Shavers and clarinetist
Buster Bailey),
Sullivan is in top form on this delightful session. ~ Scott Yanow