CD of the Day - "Helmut Zacharias: I Got Rhythm"

CD of the Day
Helmut Zacharias: "I Got Rhythm" (Boutique) 2008
An excellent compilation produced by Horst H. Lange for the acclaimed "Jazz Club" series.
24 tracks in 73 minutes, focusing in the early years of Helmut Zacharias, who deserved to be recognized as one of best violin players in the history of jazz.
The selections assembled here were cut between 1949 and 1956, before Zacharias' decision to concentrate in an easy-listening orchestra.
Here he leads a quintet, a sextet and a big band with great results, soloing with complete fluency and showcasing both his improvisitional and technical skills. There's also a track ("How High The Moon") with The Kurt Edelhagen Orchestra.
The German violinist shines specially on "Swing 48", "Little White Lies", "Whispering" (one of Luiz Bonfa's favourite songs), "Embraceable You", "What Is This Thing Called Love?"), "C Jam Blues", "Blue Moon" and "I Got Rhythm".
Also noteworthy are the contributions of vibist Kurt Grabert, guitarist Coco Schulman (a mix of Freddie Green and Charlie Christian) and classy pianist Rudi Bohn, who also plays organ, harpsichord and even mellophon!