Flip Phillips

The great tenor saxophonist Flip Phillips (73 at the time) is heard in prime form throughout this exciting CD. Assisted by guitarists Howard Alden and Wayne Wright, pianist Dick Hyman, bassist Jack Lesberg and drummer Butch Miles, Phillips alternately roars and purrs throughout the set. His two originals ("Hashimoto's Blues" and "Christian Scientist") are excellent, and the choice of songs (which include Slim Gaillard's "Vol Vitu Gailey Star," "Tricotism" and "Cotton Tail") is inspired. With Alden and Hyman also contributing plenty of solos and Phillips making two appearances on bass clarinet (for "I Got a Right to Sing the Blues" and "Poor Butterfly"), this is a memorable outing that is highly recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi