Smooth Sailing Through Swinging Waters
Arnett Cobb plays with a warm, easy confidence that makes the whole session feel like a relaxed afternoon.
Smooth Sailing opens on a loose, unhurried groove, with Arnett Cobb's tenor saxophone out front and the rhythm section settling in underneath. The sound is warm and round. The tempos stay comfortable, the arrangements stay simple, and the mood leans toward good-natured swing rather than anything intense or searching. Austin Mitchell's electronic organ adds a soft bed of color behind the horns, and it gives the record a slightly lounge-tinged glow that sets it apart from a standard small-group date.
Cobb's playing is the main attraction. He is an emotional, forthright soloist, and on these tracks he leans into big, singing phrases and an easy sense of drive. Buster Cooper's trombone adds a rougher contrast in the ensemble passages, and George Duvivier and Osie Johnson keep everything bouncing along with a steady, dependable feel. Nothing here is experimental. It is a set of well-played swing numbers that trust the players to do what they do well.
For listeners exploring Cobb's catalog, this is a solid, enjoyable entry rather than a landmark. It won a respectable reception, with AllMusic reviewer Stacia Proefrock's 3-star assessment describing Cobb's solos as typically emotional and generally exciting across the set. If you want a relaxed, well-crafted dose of 1950s-era tenor swing, this one delivers without asking much of you.
Who's playing
George Duvivierdouble bass
Arnett Cobbtenor saxophone
Buster Coopertrombone
Austin Mitchellelectronic organ
Osie Johnsondrums
Where next?
More by Arnett Cobb
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