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 th...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

At 71, blues pianist/singer Moore is only up to his second CD, but it's a very good one. He's definitely reminiscent of his main influence, Roosevelt Sykes, just not as bawdy. Traces of Jay McShann also creep in here and there. Moore wrote all seventeen of these tracks, but you've heard them all under the guise of more familiar blues standards. The back-up band is solid; guitarist James Wheeler is an expert at economical, sweet, tasty solos and fills, Bob Stroger knows the right basslines to lay down, and ...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

CD $13.28