Sit Down and Relax with Jimmy Forrest

by Scott Yanow The large warm tone of Jimmy Forrest is well featured on this CD reissue of a Prestige Lp. Joined by guitarist Calvin Newborn (pianist Phineas' brother has rarely had such a good opportunity to stretch out), pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Tommy Potter and drummer Clarence Johnston, Forrest plays melodically but with his own brand of soul. The group performs three swing-era standards, "Tin Tin Deo," Duke Ellington's "Rocks In My Bed," "The Moon Was Yellow" and a version of "That's All" that was recorded on the same date but originally issued on a different album. This CD gives one a good example of Jimmy Forrest's playing and fortunately his solos are not as relaxed and laidback as the album's title might imply.