Slam Stewart was well known for his gimmick of humming and playing his bass in octave unison, which is featured prominently throughout this compilation of two studio sessions. The bulk of the music features
Stewart leading a trio with pianist Johnny Guarneri (who wrote 6 originals for the date) and drummer Sammy Weiss; stronger are their interpretations of standards like "That Old Black Magic" and "My Blue Heaven." The final two tracks are by a quartet with
Erroll Garner, guitarist
Mike Bryan, and drummer
Hal West, playing the obscure "Dark Eyesky" ("Dark Eyes," which he had previously recorded with
Art Tatum in 1944) and "Play Fiddle Play." While this rather low-key record won't likely appeal to many jazz fans, followers of
Slam Stewart will be rewarded by acquiring it. ~ Ken Dryden