Buddy Tate

Regardless of the setting, tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate never seemed to fail to deliver swinging performances. The robust reedman is joined by organist Wild Bill Davis, guitarist Floyd Smith, and drummer Chris Columbus (the latter three had worked together on several earlier recordings) for these 1972 sessions recorded in Paris for Black & Blue. Davis, who made numerous records with alto sax great Johnny Hodges, and also worked alongside him in Duke Ellington's band, provides the same strong backing to Tate -- as his longtime musical partner. Smith, who is best known for his work with Andy Kirk, adds several very bluesy solos. The music runs from old war horses like "Sugar" and the bland "Peg O' My Heart," to timeless jazz compositions ("Blues in My Heart," "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," and "Blue Lou"), and the modern pop song, "Hello Dolly," which was beginning to wear out its welcome after everyone began recording it following Louis Armstrong's huge success with it. French trumpeter François Biensan is added on five tracks, but never really makes much of an impression. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide