Zoot Sims - Only a Rose (CD)

All Music Guide

This posthumous release featuring Zoot Sims with the Netherlands Metropole Orchestra is a first class collaboration. The tenor saxophonist is clearly enjoying himself as his lyrical lines unwind over Rob Pronk's arrangements, the best of which are "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" and "Emily." The only misfire is some cheesy lounge guitar fills in the background during an overwise strong "The Way You Look Tonight." Sims switches to soprano sax for "Rosemary's Baby," hardly a jazz standard but very effective as he's accompanied by a fine trio led by pianist Cees Slinger, who also take the place of the orchestra on several other tracks. Sims even adds a good-natured vocal on "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You." It's hard to believe it took so long for these sessions to be released.

- Ken Dryden, All Music Guide