Marty Grosz emerged in the 1970s (first with
Soprano Summit and then with a variety of freewheeling groups) as a chordal acoustic guitarist in the tradition of
Dick McDonough and
Carl Kress, a
Fats Waller-inspired vocalist and (at least in concert) a very funny personality. However, he actually began back in the 1950s, sounding quite mature on this early effort from 1957. This tribute to
Bix Beiderbecke (reissued on CD) has a dozen songs, recorded in the 1920s by the legendary cornetist, performed by
Grosz (who takes a few vocals) with his Honoris Causa Jazz Band. The octet/nonet consists of four horn players (including cornetist Carl Halen and the
Pee Wee Russell-influenced clarinetist and baritone saxophonist Frank Chace), a rhythm section with pianist Tut Soper, and Turk Santos sometimes on second cornet or guitar. The Dixielandish interpretations include such numbers as "Changes," "Sorry," "Clementine," and "For No Reason at All in 'C.'" Recommended. But why did it take
Marty Grosz so long to catch on? ~ Scott Yanow