At E.J.'s - Atlanta, GA

AMG Review of At E.J.'s - Atlanta, GA

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All Music Guide

Maturity suited Zoot nicely, and this recording explains how. After decades of consistently creative activity during which he followed his own path and maintained his individuality without ever abandoning the influence of his predecessors, the saxophonist sounded simply wonderful on this summer night in Georgia. Thank goodness someone was recording the proceedings! After opening his set with a gorgeous version of "That Old Devil Called Love," Zoot turns Yancey Korosi loose on the public with a very advanced rendering of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." The recognizably familiar melody only appears during the last chorus. First the pianist tears up, playing all sorts of harmonic variations on the changes. Then Zoot enters quoting "When Yuba Plays the Rhumba on the Tuba." They gyrate together and by the time the piece ends the audience has obviously been goosed into a state of heightened receptivity. Anyone who has ever experienced a live club performance of real jazz will recognize this turning point in the program. It is very much what this kind of music is all about. Switching from tenor to soprano saxophone, Zoot sails into "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise." Korosi is a marvelous improviser who interacts well with bassist Dewey Sampson and percussionist James Martin, while Zoot handles the soprano with striking facility. The rhythm section sets up a stimulating pace for "Over the Rainbow," enabling Zoot to move over the face of the tune at his own relaxed pace, expanding the song until it seems to tower over the rest of the city. Korosi's optimistic piano brings to mind Ron Burton's remarkable presence on Rahsaan Roland Kirk's 1973 album Bright Moments; in fact, the entire ambience of this live recording glows with something comparable to the vibe at Keystone Corner on the West Coast, back in the day. After 11 smoking minutes of "Rainbow," Zoot chooses a series of Ellington excursions: "In a Mellow Tone" rocks nicely, "I Got It Bad" breathes like a lotus, and "Caravan" serves as a wicked outing for soprano. The rest of the album teems with still more surprises, for Zoot brings on a second tenor saxophonist, Rick Bell, for a friendly triple finale. They jam with irresistible imaginative energy during "Groovin' High," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Lester Leaps In." It would be difficult to identify a more exciting example of Zoot Sims in action. Highly recommended for listeners of all persuasions.