Doc Cheatham — Hey Doc!

Hey Doc! Review

 

by Ken Dryden

Doc Cheatham maintained a strong sound on trumpet into his nineties; this series of French studio sessions dates from May 1975, just prior to his 70th birthday. The veteran is accompanied by veteran drummer J.C. Heard and pianist Sammy Price, while the rest of the supporting cast, including trombonist Gene Conners, alto saxophonist Ted Buckner, and bassist Carl Pruitt are less widely known but solid performers. The group's superb interplay is fascinating within the swinging opener, "Rosetta," while the mediocre quality of the piano tuning somewhat mars an otherwise enjoyable "Blues in My Heart." In addition to his fine trumpet playing throughout the CD, he sings in a warm, friendly during the tender ballad "If I Could Be With You" and a sprightly "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?" Fans of swing trumpet will definitely want to search for this rewarding CD.

Doc Cheatham Hey Doc!

1 Rosetta 00:00 2 I Cover The Waterfront 05:57 3 Blues In My Heart 09:36 4 What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry 15:54 5 Saint James Infirmary 20:10 6 Sugar 24:58 7 If I Could Be With You 31:38 8 Rose Room 35:30 9 I Want A Little Girl 41:29 10 Aint Misbehaving 45:06 11 Sugar (Take 1) 49:20 12 I Cover The Waterfront (Take 1) 54:38 Trumpet – Doc Cheatham Trombone – Gene "Mighty Flea" Conners Alto Saxophone – Teddy Buckner Bass – Carl Pruitt Drums – J.C. Heard Piano – Sammy Price

Recorded in Paris and Toulouse, France, on May 2, 12 and 21, 1975