Arnett Cobb: Blues & Ballads (feat. Red Garland's Trio)

by Scott YanowThis CD reissue combines together tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb's two LPs, Sizzlin' and Ballads by Cobb. The former session has a good mixture of stomps and ballads with highlights including "Black Velvet," "Georgia on My Mind," and "The Way You Look Tonight." The latter date (originally cut for the Moodsville label) is all slow ballads and, despite the warmth in Cobb's tone, a certain sameness pervades the performances. Pianist Red Garland and drummer J.C. Heard are on both sessions with either George Tucker or George Duvivier on bass. Good music but not quite essential.