Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Violinist Stuff Smith's third Classics CD (which wraps up his dates as a leader prior to the mid-'50s) starts off with 16 numbers from 1944-1946, many of which are rarities. Smith is heard leading various trios (sidemen include pianists Jimmy Jones and Billy Taylor) on music recorded for the Savoy (with Billy Daniels and Rosalie Young having vocals), Baronet, Selmer, Musicraft, and Town & Country labels; Sarah Vaughan sings on "Time and Again." Best is the Selmer date, which has versions of "Perdido," "Bugle Call Rag," and Smith's "Desert Sands." Also included on this CD are Smith's six recordings with Alphonso Trent's notable territory band during 1928-1930 (including classic versions of "After You've Gone" and "St. James Infirmary"). All three Classics Stuff Smith CDs are easily recommended.
