Sidney Bechet

This Storyville set of blues blowing sessions by the great Sidney Bechet, with counterparts such as Hot Lips Page, Mezz Mezzrow, Sammy Price, Sid Catlett, and others, with some vocal cuts by Coot Grant. The sessions were recorded in the '50s in the United States and in Europe, and the track selection is burning, from the Mezzrow blues jams like "House Party," "Really the Blues," and "Revolutionary Blues," and "Funky Butt," as well as a few alternate takes such as the two of "Chicago Blues." The feel of these sessions is loose, fun, and full of great moments. While there are many fine introductory collections for beginners and the curious, this one serves the collector very well. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide