Best known as
Erskine Hawkins' altoist from 1944-60 and for penning the Hawkins hit "Tippin' In,"
Bobby Smith led a fine series of recordings for the United label during 1949-54. This 1996 CD has his 22 selections (seven previously unreleased), which range in style from
Johnny Hodges-type jump swing to early R&B, blues and ballads. With strong contributions from
Bobby Johnson and
Jimmy Harris on trumpets and baritonist Haywood Henry,
Smith performs concise three-minute numbers that are accessible, reasonably creative within their boundaries, and quite fun. Recommended.