Although named after a former LP, this CD actually contains the complete contents of two albums (the other one was called Little Jimmy Rushing and the Big Brass) plus a brief previously unreleased number. Known for his renditions of swing-oriented blues, but also quite effective on ballads and jump standards, the great singer is featured with a big band (which has solo space for many musicians, including tenors
Buddy Tate and
Coleman Hawkins, trumpeter
Buck Clayton, and trombonist
Dicky Wells) and a sextet with
Tate, organist
Sir Charles Thompson, and pianist
Ray Bryant. These were two of
Rushing's better sets from the 1950s, and he is heard throughout the mostly veteran tunes in top form. Highlights include "I'm Coming Virginia," "Mister Five by Five," "When You're Smiling," "Good Rockin' Tonight," and "Russian Lullaby." ~ Scott Yanow