Blue Stroll

by Scott YanowThis CD reissues one of multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan's strongest bebop-oriented dates. Sullivan, who is heard on trumpet, alto, baritone and even peck horn (all four on the 19½-minute jam "Bluzinbee"), teams up with the great tenor Johnny Griffin (who on "Bluzinbee" also takes rare solos on baritone and alto), pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Vic Sproles and drummer Wilbur Campbell for a strictly straight-ahead set, a rarity in Sullivan's discography. The 1997 CD adds a new alternate take of "Wilbur's Tune" to the original program, which includes the standard "My Old Flame" and several hard bop originals. Everyone plays in prime form, and Sullivan's trumpet solos in particular are quite exciting. Recommended.