He was born in Inglewood, California. Sims' family was involved in vaudeville, and, for his part, John learned to play both drums and clarinet at an early age. Zoot's father was a vaudeville hoofer, and Zoot prided himself on remembering many of the steps his father taught him.
Following in the footsteps of Lester Young, Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophonist. Throughout his career, he played with renowned bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. He was known among his peers as one of the strongest swingers in the field. Sims frequently led his own combos and sometimes toured with his friend Gerry Mulligan with Gerry's sextet, and later with his Concert Jazz Band. Zoot had a long, successful partnership as co-leader of a quintet with Al Cohn, which recorded under "Al and Zoot". That group was a favorite at the New York club "The Half Note." Late in his career, Sims added the soprano saxophone to his performances. Sims' nickname — Zoot — was acquired early in his career while he was on the Kenny Baker band in California. The name was later appropriated for a sax-playing Muppet.
Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.
(2) Throughout his career, Zoot Sims was famous for epitomizing the swinging musician, never playing an inappropriate phrase. He always sounded inspired, and although his style did not change much after the early 1950s, Zoot's enthusiasm and creativity never wavered.
Zoot's family was involved in vaudeville, and he played drums and clarinet as a youth. His older brother, Ray Sims, developed into a fine trombonist who sounded like Bill Harris. At age 13, Sims switched permanently to the tenor, and his initial inspiration was Lester Young, although he soon developed his own cool-toned sound. Sims was a professional by the age of 15, landing his first important job with Bobby Sherwood's Orchestra, and he joined Benny Goodman's big band for the first time in 1943; he would be one of BG's favorite tenormen for the next 30 years. He recorded with Joe Bushkin in 1944, and even at that early stage, his style was largely set.
After a period in the Army, Sims was with Goodman from 1946-1947. He gained his initial fame as one of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" during his time with the Second Herd (1947-1949). Zoot had brief stints with Buddy Rich's short-lived big band, Artie Shaw, Goodman (1950), Chubby Jackson, and Elliot Lawrence. He toured and recorded with Stan Kenton (1953) and Gerry Mulligan (1954-1956). Sims was also a star soloist with Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band of the early '60s and visited the Soviet Union with Benny Goodman in 1962. A freelancer throughout most of his career, Sims often led his own combos or co-led bands with his friend Al Cohn; the two tenors had very similar sounds and styles. Zoot started doubling on soprano quite effectively in the '70s. Through the years, he appeared in countless situations, and always seemed to come out ahead. Fortunately, Zoot Sims recorded frequently, leading sessions for Prestige, Metronome, Vogue, Dawn, Storyville, Argo, ABC-Paramount, Riverside, United Artists, Pacific Jazz, Bethlehem, Colpix, Impulse, Groove Merchant, Famous Door, Choice, Sonet, and a wonderful series for Pablo. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
I Don
Zoot Sims Lyrics
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But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming
The lyrics to "Ghost of a Chance" by Zoot Sims express unrequited love as the singer laments his inability to win the heart of the one he loves. The opening lines state the singer's deep love and desire for the object of his affection, but he quickly acknowledges the futility of his pursuit, declaring he doesn't stand a ghost of a chance with her. The singer had hoped to find love with this person, but discovers that she's already surrounded by other lovers, and he knows it's unlikely that he will ever have a chance with her.
The singer continues to plead his case, fantasizing about a moment of surrender between the two where he could steal a tender kiss or two, in hopes that she would discover he is the lover meant for her. However, he knows that he is likely just dreaming and allowing himself to scheme fruitlessly. The lyrics to "Ghost of a Chance" are a poignant portrayal of unrequited love and the feeling of being powerless in the face of desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I have a strong desire for your love and I am deeply in love with you.
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
However, I do not have any possibility of being with you as it seems impossible to win your heart.
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
Although I initially thought I had found my perfect partner in you, it appears that you are surrounded by other potential lovers.
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
And so, it seems as though I am out of luck and have no chance of winning your heart.
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you would allow me to show you my affection with just a few gentle kisses,
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
You may come to realize that I am the one meant to be your lover.
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be completely faithful and devoted to you, but there is no point in creating elaborate plans to win your love.
I know I must be dreaming
I understand that I may be unrealistic in my expectations, and that my hopes of being with you may only be a dream.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICKY SKOPELITIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
noahvale939
Despite a hopelessly out of tune piano this is a stunning performance by all the players. Sims and Broomeyer were among the best of their time and play beautifully here. Pianist John Williams gave up playing Jazz and went into banking too soon to be very widely recognized for his talent, but he makes a gallant showing here as he wrestles that terrible instrument almost into submission.
John Whitehead
Impeccable
noahvale939
John Williams (piano). Don't know why he isn't credited. See below.
sidDkid87
Happy Halloween, WORLD : )`
sidDkid87
@***** LOL! Don't worry, E - I always practice safe sax ; )` *ha hA HA*
Phil O'Malley
Happy Halloween! Boooooo!! Cheers!! :-D :-O
steven paul
cool