AMG Review of Swinger

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This Pablo recording gave tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims a rare opportunity to record with his brother Ray, a spirited trombonist who was greatly influenced by Bill Harris. Together they join forces with pianist Jimmy Rowles and one of two rhythm sections (John Heard or Michael Moore on bass and Shelly Manne or John Clay on drums) for a set of standards, obscurities (including Andy Kirk's "Now I Lay Me Down to Dream of You" and Al Cohn's "Danielle"), and Zoot's "Mr. J.R. Blues." The Sims brothers (who should have collaborated more often) blend together quite well and the music often swings quite hard; other highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumping" and "She's Funny That Way."