That's a Pretty Good Love

Big Maybelle recorded Thats a Pretty Good Love at Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack New Jersey on May 14 1956 with Kelly Owens directing and arranging the band. The session featured Dave McRae on alto saxophone, Buddy Lucas and Warren Lucky on tenor saxophones, Leslie Johnakins on baritone saxophone, Mickey Baker on guitar, Leonard Gaskin on bass, and Sol Hall on drums. Released by Savoy in 1956 as the B-side of Candy, the record placed Big Maybelles forceful vocal in a tight New York rhythm and blues band setting. It became a strong example of her Savoy period after her earlier Okeh recordings. Thats a Pretty Good Love remained a valued Big Maybelle side through later Savoy compilations and rhythm and blues reissues. Its punchy arrangement and vocal attack helped keep her 1950s work in circulation among collectors and revival listeners.