Zoot Sims - Zoot Sims and the Gershwin Brothers

Along with his album with Count Basie (Basie and Zoot) during the same period, this is one of Sims' most exciting recordings of his career. Greatly assisted by pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Grady Tate, he explores ten songs written by George and Ira Gershwin. Somehow the magic was definitely present and, whether it be stomps such as "The Man I Love," "Lady Be Good," and "I Got Rhythm" or warm ballads (including "I've Got a Crush on You" and "Embraceable You"), Zoot Sims is heard at the peak of his powers. A true gem. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Zoot Sims never made a bad album, but he did make a great number that were merely very good. This one, however, is excellent. Sims, Peterson, and Pass all solo beautifully, and the bass and drum team of Mraz and Tate are behind them every step of the way. The two standout tracks are 'I Got Rhythm', where Sims follows an explosive Peterson solo with full-throated honks and excursions into his beautiful upper register; and 'Embraceable You', when Zoot proves that only Webster, Getz, and Hawkins can challenge him for beauty of tone. That said, there isn't a bad track on this CD, and it will give any Zoot fan -- any jazz fan -- a great deal of pleasure. - by E. Hawkins, Amazon.com

Artist: Zoot Sims
Album: Zoot Sims and the Gershwin Brothers
Year: 1975 (Pablo)
Label: OJC (20-bit remastered, 1990)
Runtime: 49:53

Tracks:
1.  The Man I Love 6:24 
2.  How Long Has This Been Going On 2:14 
3.  Lady Be Good 4:36 
4.  I've Got A Crush On You 2:58 
5.  I Got Rhythm 7:05 
6.  Embraceable You 4:48 
7.  'S Wonderful 4:38 
8.  Someone To Watch Over Me 3:43 
9.  Isn't It A Pity 3:25 
10.  Summertime (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin/Dubose Heyward) 5:23
11.  They Can't Take That Away From Me 4:32 
All compositions by George and Ira Gershwin, except 10th

Personnel:
Zoot Sims (Tenor Saxophone)
Oscar Peterson (Piano)
Joe Pass (Guitar)
George Mraz (Double Bass)
Grady Tate (Drums)