Pony Poindexter

Annie Ross sits in with saxophonist Pony Poindexter's band during a 1966 concert in Frankfurt, Germany, with delightful results. They share the vocals in a swinging interpretation of Louis Jordan's "Saturday Night Fry," improvising new lyrics on the fly. Poindexter's soprano sax is majestic in an extended workout of "All Blues," while he also sings Oscar Brown, Jr.'s lyrics to boot, followed by Carmell Jones' well-constructed trumpet solo. Ross has a blast exploring Jon Hendricks' playful words to Horace Silver's "Home Cookin'." Ross and Poindexter again share the singing duties with their brisk vocalese treatment of Count Basie's "Jumpin' at the Woodside." Ross is a little shaky in her interpretation of "Goin' to Chicago," but she rebounds with yet another take of her famous vocalese rendition of "Twisted." The group also includes alto saxophonist Leo Wright, pianist Fritz Pauer, and bassist Jimmy Woode. The sound is impeccable, as the audience is not at all audible during most of the performances, though it is clear from the audio that this is not a studio album disguised as a live one. Originally issued by Saba, this recommended album was finally reissued on CD by MPS in Denmark in 2003. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi