Guitar Odyssey

These are two of the greatest sidemen in American jazz: two guitarists representing two generations. In the summer of '74 they were together in New York for a swing and blues session set up by Hugues and Louis Panassié. The elder of the two musicians, Al Casey, had been around since the 30's, and had accompanied Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Billie Holiday. The younger guitarist was Billy Butler, who'd played not only with Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith, but also Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie or James Brown. The drummer accompanying the pair here is Jackie Williams, whose great class contributes a delicate touch. The freshness of this rare album gives it a sound that reminds you of what a rhythm section's jamming might be like just before the star soloist comes onstage. A smooth, intimate recording that deserves a place in every blues and swing fan's collection. Patrick FRÉMEAUX, 2019 This record is the only one of it's kind. You won't have heard one even remotely like this, not ever... It teems with beautiful music, and the more you hear it, the more you'll love it. Hugues PANASSIÉ, 1974