As I arrived at TR HQ today, I found a CD sitting all alone. Turns out the lovely Mrs. Strutts scored a copy of Slim Gaillard’s “Slim’s Jam.” Better yet, the missus got it for nothing. WOW. “Flat Foot Floogie” for free. Good God, I’ve heard this guy’s stuff. He played lead guitar when guitar was looked down upon as a mere rhythm instrument. Gaillard was WAY ahead of his time. (Listen for his pre-Chuck Berry licks on the second video.)
You ever wonder where Little Richard came up with “Tutti Frutti?” It was from Gaillard’s advanced musical tublications. FACT.
“R-A-G-G-M-O-P-P RAG MOP”
[Just a few years later, it looked like this, from Uncertain Times.]
Tags: jazz, jive, Slam Stewart, Slim & Slam, Slim Gaillard, swing
