Violinist
Stuff Smith
is heard in top form on this set of radio transcriptions from 1943, a time when a musicians strike kept
Smith
and others off records. Joined by pianist
Jimmy Jones
(who has plenty of solo space) and bassist
John Levy
,
performs ten songs and, in addition to the accepted versions, there are four alternate takes and three brief incomplete versions. Highlights include "Humoresque," three versions of "Minuet in Swing" and a pair of hot renditions of "Bugle Call Rag." Throughout
is heard in prime form, showing how hard a violin can be swung. ~ Scott Yanow