I’m Just A Lucky So And So – 1990
Jay McShann
McShann, Plas Johnson and Milt Hinton all play soulful solos on the Duke Ellington standard
Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube
Pianist and occasional singer Jay McShann gained fame in the 1940s for leading a top Kansas City swing and blues big band that had Charlie Parker among its sidemen.
During the next five decades, McShann had a fine career, freelancing mostly as a leader of small swing combos.
In 1990, he headed a quartet that included the underrated but always enjoyable big-toned tenor-saxophonist Plas Johnson, veteran bassist Milt Hinton, and an unidentified drummer (Gus Johnson?).
McShann and Plas Johnson should have played together more often; they display similar soulful and swinging styles on this relaxed outing.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald