McShann, Plas Johnson and Milt Hinton all play soulful solos on the Duke Ellington standard
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Pianist and occasional singer Jay McShann gained fame in the 1940s for leading a top Kansas City swing and blues big band that had Charlie Parker among its sidemen.
During the next five decades, McShann had a fine career, freelancing mostly as a leader of small swing combos.
In 1990, he headed a quartet that included the underrated but always enjoyable big-toned tenor-saxophonist Plas Johnson, veteran bassist Milt Hinton, and an unidentified drummer (Gus Johnson?).
McShann and Plas Johnson should have played together more often; they display similar soulful and swinging styles on this relaxed outing.
-Scott Yanow
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