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
and his trademark silly lyrics and nonsensical words. All of the musicians, including
, 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
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