Either Way

AMG Review of Either Way

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This formerly obscure set (reissued on CD by Evidence) matches together the always complementary (and sometimes identical-sounding) tenors of Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. A special treat to the spirited quintet date (with Mose Allison on piano, bassist Bill Crow and drummer Gus Johnson) are the three excellent vocals from the long-forgotten singer Cecil "Kid Haffey" Collier. Based on his swinging version of "Nagasaki" and fine renditions of "Sweet Lorraine" and "I Like It like That," he certainly did not deserve his obscurity. It is fun to hear Sims and Cohn work with a vocalist, jamming behind him and launching into their solos. The five instrumentals, which include the riffing "P-Town," the only ballad of the date ("Autumn Leaves") and the heated blues "Morning Fun," are excellent too, making this a set well worth picking up.