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This is an outstanding collection of classic rhythm and blues featuring this genius trombone artist with Roomful of Blues. The sound is huge and the musicianship is sublime.
It opens with Albert Collins’ “Don’t Lose Your Cool” and slides right into the very catchy “Jim Dog.” “Slidin’ Horns” and “Walkin’ With Mr. Lee” are both perfect showcases for Cohen’s genius trombone stylings. The disc is mostly instrumental, but there are a couple of vocal tracks laced in, including “Sent for You Yesterday,” with Sugar Ray Norcia and “Trombone Porky,” featuring the rich vocals of Michelle Willson.
The liner notes, penned by Roomful’s manager, Bob Bell, are generous and outline the fascinating history of this 1924-born artist’s musical career. There are plenty of delightful photos included of Cohen with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Barnet, Artie Shaw, Bobby Sherwood and even Stevie Ray Vaughn! Bell recounts from the days when a brother would get arrested for playing on stage with a white band and had to play behind the curtain, to Cohen’s years with Roomful of Blues in the 1980s, to his 1984 gig at Carnegie Hall with Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I admit it was the intriguing name that caused this disc to end up in my CD player, but I’m very glad that it did. The trombone so rarely gets the recognition it deserves. If you’re in the mood for some wailing big band blues, you are guaranteed to love Rhythm and Bones.
