Zoot Sims - Suddenly It's Spring - Limited Edition 180 Gram LP

Limited Edition 180 Gram LP

Producer’s Note: Zoot has often been labeled as, and lauded for, “being his own man.” And it’s true –seemingly no matter what his musical surroundings may be Zoot manages to retain his unique identity. But of course considering the give and take between a rhythm section, especially the pianist, and the soloist, the results can vary widely: Zoot responded to Basie by showing what great Time he had and it was probably one of the most swinging albums he ever made; on the Gershwin album he reacted to Oscar Peterson’s comping by demonstrating his respect and love for melody; and in one way or another, with such backing as given him by Ray Bryant, Richard Wyants, Roger Kellaway, and Ross Tompkins, one could hear other aspects of Zoot. But, finally, I think Zoot feels most secure and, perhaps, happiest with Jimmy Rowles. Jimmy’s harmonic touches seem to stimulate Zoot, in a quiet and subtle way, possibly more positively than any other pianist. (Maybe it’s that they’ve played more together than any of the others.) In any case, this is a beautiful album with emphasis on pretty tunes; in fact, on the ballads where you expect, and almost look for, a singer with lyrics, Zoot practically sings the songs with his own lyricism – and Rowles continues to keep you off-balance with his original, surprising, almost secretive, harmonic investigations.

Tracklist:

Side 1

1. BRAHM’S. . . I THINK (4:16)

2. I CAN’T GET STARTED (7:08)

3. MacGUFFIE’S BLUES (4:11) 

4. IN THE MIDDLE OF A KISS (6:11)

Side 2

5. SO LONG (5:25) 

6. NEVER LET ME GO (4:57) 

7. SUDDENLY IT’S SPRING (5:36)

Personnel:

ZOOT SIMS, Tenor Saxophone JIMMY ROWLES, Piano GEORGE MRAZ, Bass
 AKIRA TANA, Drums Sims plays soprano sax on “Brahm’s... I Think”.

Credits:

Produced by: Norman Granz
Photo by: Phil Stern
Layout & Design: Norman Granz & Sheldon Marks Studio: RCA Studios New York City, May 26, 1983.