Blues Sung Loose and Easy
Rushing sings the blues with a grin, backed by a small band that swings without ever pushing too hard.
This album opens the door on a relaxed, loose-limbed session built around Jimmy Rushing's big, warm voice. The tempos sit comfortably in the middle, the rhythm section keeps things light and bouncy, and the horns come in with short, tidy fills rather than long solos. It feels like a late-night set in a club where nobody is in a hurry, and Rushing is clearly enjoying himself.
The band is a compact one, and the playing is crisp and unfussy. Buck Clayton on trumpet and Dicky Wells on trombone trade phrases behind the singer, while Sir Charles Thompson's piano keeps the groove steady. Jo Jones on drums gives the swing a lively push without overwhelming the voice. Nothing here is complicated, and that is much of the appeal: the arrangements leave Rushing room to lean into the lyrics and play with the timing.
Rushing built his name as the featured singer with the Count Basie Orchestra, and this record shows why he was valued there. It is not the place to start with him, and it is not his most ambitious work, but it is a fun, honest blues-and-swing session for listeners who already like his style.
Who's playing
Gene Rameydouble bass
Sir Charles Thompsonpiano
Julian Dashtenor saxophone
Buck Claytontrumpet
Dicky Wellstrombone
Jo Jonesdrums
Where next?
More by Jimmy Rushing
All 17 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
