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 there 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.

Contents:

CD 1 (1930-1940)
1. Trumpet in Spades
2. Rocky Road
3. Just Blues
4. Sugarfoot Stomp
5. Singin’ the Blues
6. Do You Believe in Love at Sight?
7. New King Porter Stomp
8. In a Sentimental Mood
9. Kissin’ My Baby Goodnight
10. Rexatious
11. Lazy Man’s Shuffle
12. The Back Room Romp
13. Tea and Trumpets
14. Braggin’ in Brass
15. San Juan Hill
16. Fat Stuff Serenade
17. Montmartre
18. Finesse
19. I Know That You Know
20. Solid Old Man
21. Barney Goin’ Easy
22. Tootin’ Through the Roof
23. Morning Glory
24. Dusk
25. Cherry
26. Bugle Call Rag

CD 2 (1940-1959)
1. Diga-Diga-Doo
2. Ain’t Misbehavin’
3. Save it, Pretty Mama
4. Across the Track Blues
5. Without a Song
6. Mobile Bay
7. Linger Awhile
8. Boy Meets Horn
9. The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
10. The Big Eight Blues
11. John Hardy’s Wife
12. Subtle Slough
13. Menelik, the Lion of Judah
14. Main Stem
15. Rexercise
16. Shady Side of the Street
17. I’m Beginning to See the Light
18. I Knew You When
19. The Way She Walks
20. A Hundred Years from Today
21. Little Sir Echo
22. Everybody’s Movin’