The late Red Mitchell was known as a superb first call bassist and, to a lesser extent, a more than competent pianist, singer, and composer. Mitchell showcases all of his talents on this solo outing recorded in his Stockholm apartment. He kicks off with a long but tasty medley of standards called “Bass Suite-Sweet Bass,” which also includes a little scatting. He switches to piano for a unusual take of “Body and Soul,” adding some humorous scatting and superb whistling as well. He sings and plays piano for the rest of the CD; five of the six remaining tracks are originals, with the hilarious “Corruptus Interruptus” clearly stealing the show. But his heartfelt approach to Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” is also worth exploring. – Ken Dryden
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