Rex Stewart - Rex Stewart: Trumpet in Spades - His 48 Finest 1930-1959 (2023)

Here is the essential collection of recordings by Rex Stewart (1907-1967), remembered as one of jazz’s greatest, hottest soloists; one who brought a new dimension to the art of jazz cornet playing. Retrospective’s Trumpet In Spades (the title of Duke Ellington’s 1936 “Rex’s Concerto”) offers a comprehensive survey of his 48 finest performances, stretching from his early 30s days with Fletcher Henderson (Just Blues) and McKinney’s Cotton Pickers (Rocky Road) through to 1959. Central to an extraordinary career was his many years bringing a new, distinctive voice to Duke Ellington’s wonderful orchestra and no fewer than 23 classics feature either the Duke’s full orchestra (Boy Meets, Horn; Morning Glory) or spin-off groups such as Rex’s 52nd Street Serenaders (Rexatious). In addition are four glorious tracks from his 1939 Feetwarmers session in Paris with Django Reinhardt (Montmartre) and highlights from historic collaborations with such as Sidney Bechet (Ain’t Misbehavin’) and Jack Teagarden (The Big Eight Blues). The selection closes with six memorable numbers representative of his playing in the late 50s, which included such notable sessions as The Big Challenge with Cootie Williams and The Big Reunion with the Fletcher Henderson All-Stars. Altogether a superb addition to Retrospective’s remarkable series of the great jazz trumpeters.