Norman Granz's idea to match
Zoot Sims' lyrical, swinging tenor sax with
Johnny Mandel's equally arresting compositions was a masterful one.
Sims' tart, alternately lush and furious solos were wonderfully spotlighted on such tunes as "Cinnamon and Cloves," "Emily" and "Zoot." The six-tune session, recently issued on CD, also contains effective piano solos from
Mike Wofford. The date's tour-de-force was its final selection, the wonderful "Low Life," which
Sims probed, illuminated and ultimately redefined via his solo. ~ Ron Wynn