Bud Freeman is heard with three separate small groups on the
All Star Swing Sessions compilation. He's paired with
Shorty Baker and
Claude Hopkins for the first eight tracks, including swinging treatments of standards like "Love Me or Leave Me" and "But Not for Me," plus originals composed by the group for the sessions, such as the snappy "Hector's Dance" and the sassy "Shorty's Blues."
Freeman's work on tenor sax is smooth as silk, while
Baker primarily sticks to muted trumpet. Bassist
George Duvivier's imaginative lines and
J.C. Heard's strong drumming help to propel the proceedings. The next three selections come from a date led by bassist
Leonard Gaskin that is a truly Dixieland affair. The sextet is expanded to a nonet for a swinging "Darktown Strutter's Ball," easily the highlight of the date. Finally, a vintage sextet meeting with ill-fated trumpeter
Bunny Berigan,
Eddie Condon, and
Claude Thornhill showcases
Freeman on both clarinet and tenor sax in his upbeat original "The Buzzard" and his delicious bluesy "Tillie's Downtown Now," titles which also reflect his sense of humor. Highly recommended.