AMG Review of Compact Jazz: Arthur Prysock

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

Another in a long line of many budget Verve samplers, Arthur Prysock's Compact Jazz features the velvet baritone on a wide array of tracks from his '60s stay with the label. The emphasis is on Prysock's peak ballad work, with standouts including "When I Fall in Love" and "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You." He also picks up the pace a bit for the sveltely swinging "I Worry About You" and a steady burning "Good Morning Blues." And helping out along the way are such jazz royalty as the Count Basie Band, tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, trombonist Al Grey, and guitarist Freddie Green, among many others. And while Prysock's Jazz 'Round Midnight disc probably provides the best introduction to his Verve sides, this collection certainly won't disappoint newcomers wanting to simply get their feet wet.