Slim Gaillard at Birdland 1951

• Artist: Slim Gaillard
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1951
• Total Time: 69:59
• Type: Live
• Genre: Vocal Music

Review

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, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Flat Foot Floogie No. 1	Slim Gaillard, Bud Green, Slam Stewart	Slim Gaillard	(7:28)
Cement Mixer	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(7:12)
Laughin' in Rhythm	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(9:49)
Imagination	Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen	Slim Gaillard	(4:06)
Oh, Lady Be Good	Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin	Slim Gaillard	(5:00)
Sabroso	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(6:55)
Flat Foot Floogie No. 2	Bud Green, Slam Stewart, Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(3:00)
Fine and Dandy	Swift, Paul James	Slim Gaillard	(5:50)
Serenade in Sulfur-8	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(6:26)
Sound Off		Slim Gaillard	(3:46)
Serenade in Vout	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(6:18)
Ya Ha Ha	Slim Gaillard	Slim Gaillard	(4:09)

Credits

Slam Stewart (Double Bass), Clyde Lombardi (Double Bass), Slim Gaillard (Vocals), Ted Kendall (Digital Remastering), Art Blakey (Drums), Alastair Robertson (Liner Notes), Alastair Robertson (Compilation Producer), Terry Gibbs (Vibraphone), Alun Morgan (Liner Notes), Slim Gaillard (Piano), Charlie Smith (Drums), Slam Stewart (Bass), Brew Moore (Sax (Tenor)), Billy Taylor (Piano), Clyde Lombardi (Bass), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (Sax (Tenor)), Slim Gaillard (Guitar), Alastair Robertson (Producer), Brian Johnston (Design), Jack Towers (Transfers)