From AMG A cult hero, Slim Gaillard was a frequently hilarious personality whose comedy (inventing his own jive language with a liberal use of the words "vout" and "oreenee") generally overshadowed his music. In the mid-'30s, he had a solo act during which he played guitar while tap dancing. In 1936, Gaillard began teaming with bassist Slam Stewart as Slim & Slam. Their very first recording became his biggest hit, "Flat Foot Floogie." Slim & Slam were a popular attraction up to 1942 with such other songs as "Tutti Frutti" and "Laughin' in Rhythm." By 1945, Gaillard had a new bassist, Bam Brown (whose frantic vocals matched well with Slim's cool if nonsensical voice), and "Cement Mixer" and "Poppity Pop" caught on. Gaillard, who played electric guitar influenced by Charlie Christian, fairly basic boogie-woogie piano, and vibes, led an unusual date with guests Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie (1945) that was highlighted by "Slim's Jam." Throughout the 1940s in Los Angeles, Gaillard had a strong following, using such sidemen as Zutty Singleton and Dodo Marmarosa, but the popularity of jive singers (which included Harry "the Hipster" Gibson and Leo Watson) ran its course and after 1953, Gaillard only led two other record sessions (in 1958 and 1982). In the 1960s, he was largely outside of music, running a motel in San Diego, but by the late '70s, Slim Gaillard was back on a part-time basis, still singing "Flat Foot Floogie" and making one wonder why this comic whiz was neglected for nearly three decades. Many of his key recordings can be found on Tax (a box set has the complete Slim & Slam from 1938-1942), Hep, and Verve. Be sure to click on the image for an expanded view of titles. LP type cover. $22.00 plus postage.