Nick Fatool

Drummer Nick Fatool played in a countless number of swing and Dixieland groups during over a half-century period. He only led one record date, which resulted in the 1987 LP Nick Fatool's Jazz Band. Those eight selections, featuring a septet with tenor saxophonist Eddie Miller, clarinetist Johnny Mince, cornetist Ernie Carson, and pianist Lou Stein, include such numbers as "Down Among the Sheltering Palms," "From Monday On," "Shine," and "Hotter Than That." This CD reissue adds two previously unknown selections from 1982 ("The Man I Love" and "Just One of Those Things") in which Fatool pushes a quintet who also includes tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman, pianist Ray Sherman, guitarist Howard Alden, and bassist Phil Stephens. The music overall is quite enjoyable, with the all-stars playing up to their expected level. Although Fatool does not do anything out of the ordinary (he was made leader mostly because he had never led his own record date before), he adds a lot of momentum and drive to the ensemble. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide