Marty Grosz
recordings are always fun.
Grosz
, a top humorist (though his monologues have yet to be fully included on recordings), is a cheerful vocalist whose style is influenced by
Fats Waller
, and a superior acoustic chordal guitarist. His combos are superb examples of small group
swing
with an emphasis on songs from the 1920s and '30s. For this date recorded in Germany,
leads his
Hot Puppies
, a quintet with fellow American
Randy Reinhart
on trumpet and three excellent German players.
Frank Roberscheuten
shows his versatility by playing clarinet (his best ax), tenor, and alto while bassist
Nico Gastreich
and drummer
Moritz Gastreich
are swinging and subtle in support. The repertoire is inspired and some of the frameworks (including a version of
"Heartaches"
that hints strongly at
Ted Weems
' hit recording) are inventive.
Reinhart
and
are the solo stars and this set is easily recommended to fans of vintage
and classic
jazz
. ~ Scott Yanow