Slim Gaillard at Birdland 1951

by Slim Gaillard

Overview

This mono release of Slim Gaillard performances spans live events at Birdland from February to September 1951, with the exception of the closing track, "Ya Ha Ha," recorded at the Apollo Theatre. Joining the talented guitarist entertainer on some of the selections are such great musicians as bassist Slam Stewart, drummer Art Blakey, tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and more. Also included are sound bites of his own spoken introductions, as well as intros and reactions from the MC. The opener, "Flat Foot Floogie, No.1," comes off nicely and features a good guitar solo from Gaillard. But his vocal madcap zaniness eventually goes overboard -- even for him -- during many of the takes, including "Cement Mixer," "Flat Foot Floogie, No.2," and "Serenade in Sulfur-8," resulting in what is almost a self-parody of Gaillard and his trademark silly lyrics and nonsensical words. All of the musicians, including Gaillard, offer up excellent instrumental performances, but the great solos (those of vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and pianist Billy Taylor during "Sabroso," for instance) are overshadowed by the lingering impression of Gaillard laying it on too thick. This release is really for collectors only. Others should start with the excellent -- and humorous -- compilation Groove Juice Special. ~ Joslyn Layne

Product Details

Release Date:	03/19/1996
Label:	HEP RECORDS
UPC:	0603366002123

Tracks

1. Flat Foot Floogie No. 1
2. Cement Mixer
3. Laughin' in Rhythm
4. Imagination
5. Oh, Lady Be Good
6. Sabroso
7. Flat Foot Floogie No. 2
8. Fine and Dandy
9. Serenade in Sulfur-8
10. Sound Off
11. Serenade in Vout
12. Ya Ha Ha

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Slim Gaillard   Primary Artist,Piano,Guitar,Vocals
Slim Gaillard & His Friends   Primary Artist
Clyde Lombardi   Double Bass,Bass
Slam Stewart   Double Bass,Bass
Brew Moore   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Billy Taylor   Guest Artist,Piano
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Terry Gibbs   Guest Artist,Vibraphone
Art Blakey   Guest Artist,Drums
Charlie Smith   Drums

Technical Credits

Alun Morgan   Liner Notes
Alastair Robertson   Compilation Producer,Liner Notes,Producer
Bud Green   Composer
Slim Gaillard   Composer
Ted Kendall   Digital Remastering
Johnny Burke   Composer
Paul James   Composer
Brian Johnston   Design
James Van Heusen   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
George Gershwin   Composer
Jack Towers   Transfers
Swift   Composer
Slam Stewart   Composer