During the swing era,
Jerry Jerome emerged as an excellent tenor saxophonist influenced a bit by
Lester Young; he played with
Glenn Miller,
Benny Goodman and
Artie Shaw. He spent decades as a studio musician and then in the mid-1990s re-emerged with his playing (which is a little reminiscent of
Flip Phillips) still very much in its prime, even though he was now in his 80s. This double CD is a perfect introduction to
Jerome's long-overlooked talents. The first disc has selections dating from 1939 up to the mid-'60s, many of which were previously unissued.
Jerome is heard jamming "Tea for Two" with
Charlie Christian, playing Dixieland and swing (including one number on clarinet) with studio players, and faring well at jam sessions.
Jerome also has several spoken interludes where he talks about the past; among the other musicians featured are pianists
Teddy Wilson and
Johnny Guarnieri, trumpeters
Yank Lawson and
Charlie Shavers and
Tyree Glenn on vibes and trombone. The second disc (which was recorded in 1996) was
Jerome's first full-length jazz recording session as a leader in four decades. Teamed with trumpeter
Randy Sandke, trombonist
George Masso (in top form) and a four-piece rhythm section that includes pianist
Dick Hyman,
Jerome sounds wonderful on eight standards and his "Something Old, Something New." The music is in the vein of a 1930s/'40s
Count Basie small group, and the tenorman (who is showcased as the only horn on "East of the Sun") sounds as if he were 43 at the time rather than 83. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow