Jay McShann - Hootie's Jumpin' Blues (1997) CD-Rip

At the young age of 87, Jay McShann recorded this album after the Edmonton Folk Festival. The master is living proof that the jazz continuum extends from Kansas City of the 1930s right up until to the present. On this relaxed and simple set of head arrangements, he's amply backed by Duke Robillard's band, plus Bob Tildesley on trumpet, and Dave Babcock on baritone sax. Saxophonist Gordon Beadle blows some fine, strong tenor throughout the album. The rhythm section lays down some solid ground for the piano pioneer. Jay McShann's style of jazz and blues is as vital as ever. His swing is relentless, the phrasing beautifully melodic, and the vocals are distinctively deep yet matter of fact.

The man is a timeless wonder, and a compendium of jazz history still jumpin' the blues like no one else can. At the end of the disc there's an extended interview of Jay McShann, with some great stories and some solo piano. Highly recommended.

~ Mark Romano, All Music