Thursday, December 9, 2010

Keeping Tab and an update


I apologize for the extended hiatus but I plan to begin posting again soon. I look forward to renewing my exploration of the seemingly endless layers of American Roots Music in the 1940's and 50's. Hope to hear your comments.

Tab Smith, alto wizard who got his start with Count Basie, stayed true to the blues oriented jazz sound that dominated recordings throughout most of the 1940's. During the 1950's he eschews the bop trend and records a wide range of material that includes R&B and ballad based compositions. On his recording Crazy Walk from the late 1950's, Tab exhibits a velvety tone reminiscent of Johnny Hodges in a blues format.