Zoot Sims
With
The Lighthouse All-Stars • 1954
As we near the end of our "Lighthouse All-Stars Collection" jazz series, which brings together official albums and exclusive private recordings of the emblematic ensembles led by Howard Rumsey, it is now the turn of Zoot Sims, the absolute protagonist of this album.
Although musical historiography frequently links him to the West Coast jazz movement, Sims developed the bulk of his activity in New York during the 1950s. In those years, the jazz environment humorously ironized that he only traveled to the West Coast when he ran out of money in New York. Regardless of these anecdotes, his figure consolidated an exceptional respect and affection among the public and jazz fans in Japan. This discographic record constitutes a magnificent testimony of one of his most successful historic collaborations alongside the Lighthouse All-Stars.
Released on February 25, 2009, this album represents the world premiere CD release of a precious and previously unreleased documentary document. The Lighthouse All-Stars comprised the musicians who had established themselves as regulars at the long-running California jazz club, centered around bassist Howard Rumsey. The recording captures a brilliant improvisation session (jam session) in which Zoot Sims intervenes as a special guest, integrating with the regular lineup. It is an indispensable sound document that preserves with absolute fidelity the vibrant energy, spontaneity, and swing characteristic of a golden era for jazz, standing out as a rare West Coast performance where the special guest takes the first solo on every single track. The album's track list is integrated by three tracks: Frank Patchen's original composition "Goofy Eyes", an impeccable reading of the standard "All The Things You Are", and Milt Jackson's iconic "Bags Groove".
1 - Goofy Eyes
(Frank Patchen)
2 - All The Things You Are
(Oscar Hammerstein II, Jerome Kern)
3 - Bags Groove
(Milt Jackson)
Zoot Sims, Bob Cooper (tenor saxes); Bud Shank (alto sax);
Stu Williamson (trumpet [#2]); Frank Rosolino (trombone);
Claude Williamson (piano); Howard Rumsey (bass); Stan Levey (drums).
Recorded live at The Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, California, March 10, 1954
