03 Zoot Sims - Compatability 5:15

Compatability 5:15
(written by Hall Daniels)

Recorded February 14, 1955 in Hollywood, CA, USA

Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Trombone – Dick Nash
Trumpet – Hall Daniels
Baritone Saxophone – Bob Gordon (2)
Bass – Rolly Bundock
Drums – Jack Sperling
Guitar – Tony Rizzi
Piano – Paul Atkerson

Producer – Clive Acker
Recorded By – Ben Jordan, Jerry Pierce

From Jump 1236

Zoot Sims – Compatability
Jump 12-36 (2013)
Compact Disc

Delmark has acquired the Jump label and Compatability is the first of many re-issues. Originally issued as a 1955 10″ LP under the leadership of trumpeter Hall Daniels the session features Dick Nash, trombone; Zoot Sims, tenor sax; Bob Gordon, baritone sax; Tony Rizzi, guitar; Paul Atkinson, piano; Rolly Bundock, bass; and Jack Sperling, drums. A top studio arranger, Daniels wrote many scores for motion pictures and is also noted for his work with Les Baxter. Hall composed two originals for this session and wrote wonderful arrangements for two standards. The songs are “The Way You Look Tonight”, “Nash-Ville”, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “Compatability” however, there are as many as four varying takes of each song so there’s over 55 minutes.

4.0 out of 5 stars AMAZON review
Hall Daniels Septet Plus Zoot in 1955
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2014
The first 4 tunes were a 10" LP release on the hard to find Jump label. Even harder to find than any Jump label 10" LP is "The Hall Daniels Septet" as this was originally marketed as number JL-9, despite the fact that the group as recorded was an octet. Perhaps there was an existing septet and Zoot Sims was invited to record with them. Cuts 5-10 were alternate takes of the four tunes released in 1955 and marketed by the Zim label as The Zoot Sims/Dick Nash-Ville Octet in 1977. The final two songs on this CD are alternate takes not released previously. The "Ville" added to Dick Nash's name was due to one of the tunes being "Nashville".
As to the music, it is quite enjoyable and the basic feeling reminded me somewhat of an earlier "tentette" led by Gerry Mulligan. The sound is more dated than most Zoot Sims combo music from the 1950's. The West Coast "cool jazz" had not permeated leader/arranger Hall Daniels' musical mindset. But the arrangements are quite good and these guys actually rehearsed before turning on the tape recorders. This is not just a blowing session as you see on some of Sim's albums.
As to the musicians, Zoot was already a well formed jazz saxophonist here. Dick Nash was an accomplished trombonist who could swing along with Zoot. Bob Gordon on baritone sax acquited himself admirably. Rolly Bundock had one decent length solo on bass. Tony Rizzi had a brief turn on guitar. Mr. Daniels did not really give himself a chance to shine on trumpet in these arrangements, but sounded excellent in ensemble. Paul Atkerson, piano and Jack Sperling, drums round out the octet.
If you're reading this you are quite likely well acquainted with Zoot Sims - the swinger. Impeccable rhythm and always appropriate phrases were his hallmarks. Don't make this your only Zoot album, but if you're a fan you will enjoy it the most daddy-o.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YoAbybYsBg