Don Redman had been inactive for some time by the time of these 1957 small group studio sessions. The swing-era bandleader and alto saxophonist has been somewhat overlooked for his contributions and these obscure dates, initially issued by Jazz Kings and long unavailable until Drive Archive reissued them on CD in 1998, add to his legacy.
Redman's compositions are enjoyable, even though they will be unfamiliar to most swing fans, while his alto sax is lightly swinging without hogging the spotlight. Four tracks include trombonists
Tyree Glenn and
Will Bradley, pianist Cyril Haynes, and drummer
Panama Francis. Highlights include the upbeat "If I Had My Way" (which showcases
Glenn,
Redman,
George Duvivier, and Haynes) and the playful "Lydia" (featuring
Glenn on vibes), along with "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" (showcasing
Glenn's muted "ya-ya" trombone solo, à la Tricky Sam Nanton). The second date includes
Coleman Hawkins,
Duvivier, drummer
Jo Jones, and guitarist
Al Caiola, with some rather dated organ in spots by Hank Sylvern and
Redman playing piano and celeste on some tracks. Other than
Hawkins' solos, little is memorable about these performances. A third date finds
Redman joined by trumpeters
Joe Wilder and
Harry "Sweets" Edison, pianist
Hank Jones, bassist
Al Hall, and drummer
Jimmy Crawford for the bluesy "Mad Love" (with fine solos all around) and the perky take of the standard "My Gal Sal" (showcasing the two trumpeters and
Hank Jones, who sounds a bit like
Teddy Wilson at times). While swing fans will want to search for this enjoyable CD, the demise of Drive Archive will make it a bit tougher to acquire. ~ Ken Dryden