Wanted
CD Timeless CBC 1-019
When you listen through a dozen of 1935-37 sessions with different personnel, under the name Red McKenzie’s Rhythm Kings on this CD you suddenly hear something that reminds you of a distinct sound. But it’s no wonder that you think about Raymond Scott’s Quintette because it’s actually them playing on two numbers.
Normally Scott, who is on piano here, was leading his disciplined group that played strictly worked-out, experimental arrangements that are not considered jazz music.
On this tune that was also recorded by Clarence Williams in the same year 1937, we hear, among other things, the fine clarinet sound of Pete Pumiglio. He was great already with the California Ramblers in the 1920s, and with his technical facility, he was a man for Raymond Scott at this time. The good trumpet is played by Dave Wade.
The fine drummer Johnny Williams is the father of the famous and much awarded film music composer John Williams.
Regarding Red McKenzie himself, I like his voice and his passionate interpretations a lot.