George Kelly - Plays The Music Of Don Redman (CD)

When people hear George Kelly play for the first time, the normal reaction is to wonder why they haven't heard of him before. There are many musicians around who, like George Kelly, are fine players but somehow never got the recognition due them. Born in Florida in 1915, George Kelly was one of the members of the original Savoy Sultans, led by Al Cooper, as well as having worked with Tiny Grimes, Jay McShann, and Panama Francis. He has been quoted as saying, "I think like Lester Young and play like Coleman Hawkins"; his robust sound definitely evokes The Bean, but it is true that his meandering harmonic sense is more akin to players like Prez. This rare studio album features the compositions of a diminutive man, who was essentially the father of the modern Big Band, Don Redman. Redman penned several great songs, such as Cherry and Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You, a fact that is not well-known, so this is an historic recording in more than one way. Joined by Mr. Kelly are a great lineup featuring Glenn Zottola, Richard Wyands, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Duvivier, and Butch Miles.