AMG Review of Best of Sidney Bechet [Blue Note]

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

Sidney Bechet was jazz's first great saxophone soloist. When Alfred Lion began Blue Note Records, he made Bechet one of his cornerstone artists. Bechet recorded for Blue Note from 1939 into the 1950s, making several stunning recordings in the traditional New Orleans jazz vein. Although no single disc collection could adequately depict Bechet's contributions, this 18-track set contains several outstanding blues, stomps, ballads and jams, featuring Bechet alongside many fellow luminaries. From wailing slow tunes to feisty exchanges and sentimental melodies, this is an excellent batch of Sidney Bechet performances.