Laughing In Rhythm: The Best Of The Verve Years

This CD has highlights from Slim Gaillard’s 1946-1947 and 1951-1954 recordings for the Verve label. A fine Charlie Christian-inspired guitarist, an adequate pianist, and a unique jive singer, Gaillard was always in his own category. Some of the selections on this CD are hilarious, and highlights include the four-part “Opera in Vout,” “Serenade to a Poodle” (which of course has plenty of barking), “Laughing in Rhythm,” “Chicken Rhythm,” “Potato Chips,” and the previously unreleased (and modestly titled) “Genius,” which features Gaillard overdubbing himself on trumpet, trombone, tenor, vibes, piano, organ, bass, drums, and tap dancing. Although Gaillard’s heyday was really the mid-’40s, this CD is quite memorable. – Scott Yanow