Red Prysock – Swingsation – Verve Records 3140547 878-2

If you’re seeking a good time swinging with the sounds of a hard driving tenor saxophone, look no further!  This 1999 release on the Verve label will have you tapping your feet all night long!

The 14 tracks on this set represent swing and R&B tenor saxophonist Red Prysock at his most energetic, with sweaty, roiling saxophone workouts that amaze with their uniform originality and thrust.  Unlike many instrumentalists, each tune here stands upon its own propelling merits, and with each cut averaging no longer than three minutes, anticipating Prysock’s next cut never leaves one hanging for long.

The brother of 50s and 60s vocalist Arthur Prysock, Prysock (Red) backed his brother on many of his recordings.  In addition, he also played with jazz and R&B vocalist and bandleader Tiny Bradshaw.  But on this tremendous collection, he is staunchly his own man. 

As this superlative compilation demonstrates, Prysock was one of the earliest of the Coleman Hawkins disciples to make the move into R&B rather than toward bebop.  The totality of these sides just churn-and-burn!

Prysock’s signature tune “Hand Clappin’” is here, but rest assured, at least to this reviewer, the entireness of this collection is equally satisfying.  Prysock was no one-trick-pony! 

When Prysock makes things good-and-greasy, as he does on “Purple Wail,” the result is pure bliss.

If you like your upbeat music feats well-orchestrated and soaring to new heights of saxophone enjoyment, this collection’s the one you need!

As they say, this is music that’ll wake the dead!  Enjoy!  Highly recommended!