Every Day
Anytime Jimmy Rushing stepped to the microphone, he seemed absolutely able to overwhelm with a booming blues shout. Instead, he'd notch it back a bit, still grabbing a lyric but giving it a hug along with a shoving shout. On the 12 tracks onEvery Day(and the 12 on a companion CD,Oh Love), Rushing fronts all-star, midsize bands and barrels away on the vocals splendidly. John Hammond produced these sessions in 1956 and '58, giving the band lots of room to solo--with trombonistLawrence Brownand tenor saxistBuddy Tatestanding out spectacularly--and focusing Rushing on some classic blues. "See See Rider" is stunning, and "Sent for You Yesterday" has an unhurried, freewheeling flow that the band digs deeply. This Kansas City-spurred band revels inCount Basie's often relaxed, punching swing, and Rushing bellows up front with such assurance that these count among his best sessions on record.--Andrew Bartlett