Tenor saxophonist
Bud Freeman
loved England and he particularly enjoyed playing with the British
Dixieland
/
swing
ensemble led by trumpeter
Alex Welsh
. This live set, released for the first time in 2003, is full of happy spirits, exciting solos, and stimulating ensembles. After the Welsh septet plays
"I Ain't Got Nobody,"
Freeman
is featured both with the group and with just the rhythm section. Although he performed and recorded such warhorses as
"Dinah,"
"Sunday,"
"You Took Advantage of Me,"
and
"Exactly Like You"
a countless number of times during his long career,
could always come up with fresh statements and ideas. The set is well recorded, the other musicians were inspired by
's presence, and the results are memorable and quite fun. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow