Long Way from Saint Louis

Ralph Sutton

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Long Way from Saint Louis Review

by Ken Dryden

Ralph Sutton was recorded with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band (just over a year and a half prior to his death) for a tribute program in Cullum's long-running Riverwalk public radio series. The pianist is in his usual top form, including potent solo treatments of Fats Waller's "Viper's Drag" and his infrequently performed "Clothesline Ballet," as well as two gems by Willie "The Lion" Smith, "Morning Air" and "Echo of Spring." Sutton is joined by John Sheridan (Cullum's pianist) for a duo romp through "Fine and Dandy" (adding bass and drums in the background), while the full band accompanies the two keyboardists for a boisterous take of "St. Louis Blues." Cullum's band swings well along with its guest on oldies but goodies such as "(Back Home Again In) Indiana," "Ain't Mishbehavin'," and "There'll Be Some Changes Made." It's sad to realize that this may be one of Ralph Sutton's final recordings, but this talented exponent of classic jazz and stride piano at least was not ignored, as he was recorded numerous times in his final years. This excellent CD, which also includes a brief interview with Sutton by program host David Holt, will be savored by his fans.

Track Listing

	Title/Composer	Performer	Time	Stream
1	Viper's Drag Fats Waller	Ralph Sutton	03:52	Amazon
2	There'll Be Some Changes Made Billy Higgins / W. Benton Overstreet	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	05:34	Amazon
3	Morning Air Willie "The Lion" Smith	Ralph Sutton	03:27	Amazon
4	A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid James P. Johnson / Andy Razaf	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	04:30	Amazon
5	Clothes Line Ballet Fats Waller	Ralph Sutton	03:22	Amazon
6	(Back Home Again In) Indiana James F. Hanley / Ballard MacDonald	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	04:34	Amazon
7	Ain't Misbehavin' Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	04:22	Amazon
8	When I Grow Too Old to Dream Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	05:26	Amazon
9	Echoes of Spring Willie "The Lion" Smith / Clarence Williams	Ralph Sutton	04:55	Amazon
10	Fine and Dandy Paul James / Kay Swift	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum, Jr.	04:09	Amazon
11	My Honey's Lovin' Arms Joseph Meyer / Herman Ruby	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	03:53	Amazon
12	Tea for Two Irving Caesar	Ralph Sutton	03:34	Amazon
13	St. Louis Blues W.C. Handy	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	03:34	Amazon
14	After You've Gone Henry Creamer / Turner Layton	Ralph Sutton feat: Jim Cullum Jazz Band	06:11	Amazon
15	Introduction & Interview With David Holt	Ralph Sutton	08:22	Amazon