AMG Review of At the Onyx Club, New York 1944

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All Music Guide

Galaxy records presents a rediscovered episode in the life of pianist Teddy Wilson, an accomplished bandleader whose hard-swinging sextet was recorded in performance at New York's Onyx Club in 1944. Clarinetist Edmond Hall was the most extroverted soloist, his passionate outbursts smoothly supported by Wilson, trumpeter Emmett Berry, trombonist Benny Morton, bassist Slam Stewart, and drummer Sidney Catlett. Wilson, whose most famous musical interactions were with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, and Red Norvo, sounds completely at home at the helm of this tight little jazz band. Although the leader's piano sounds as delightful as ever, Edmond Hall regularly steals the show with his rich, warm tone and formidable technique.