Something Old Something New

During the swing era, Jerry Jerome emerged as an excellent tenor saxophonist influenced a bit by Lester Young; he played with Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. He spent decades as a studio musician and then in the mid-1990s re-emerged with his playing (which is a little reminiscent of Flip Phillips) still very much in its prime, even though he was now in his 80s. This double CD is a perfect introduction to Jerome's long-overlooked talents. The first disc has selections dating from 1939 up to the mid-'60s, many of which were previously unissued. Jerome is heard jamming "Tea for Two" with Charlie Christian, playing Dixieland and swing (including one number on clarinet) with studio players, and faring well at jam sessions. Jerome also has several spoken interludes where he talks about the past; among the other musicians featured are pianists Teddy Wilson and Johnny Guarnieri, trumpeters Yank Lawson and Charlie Shavers and Tyree Glenn on vibes and trombone. The second disc (which was recorded in 1996) was Jerome's first full-length jazz recording session as a leader in four decades. Teamed with trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist George Masso (in top form) and a four-piece rhythm section that includes pianist Dick Hyman, Jerome sounds wonderful on eight standards and his "Something Old, Something New." The music is in the vein of a 1930s/'40s Count Basie small group, and the tenorman (who is showcased as the only horn on "East of the Sun") sounds as if he were 43 at the time rather than 83. Highly recommended.