Many thanks to Dan for the efforts and the disc of cool tunes!!! Here are my first impressions:
1. I like 'em slow. I think I know the tune and it is bugging the shit out of me. 4 stars
2. Humorous lyrics are something I love. I was diggin' it just like the crowd. Played a Joe Williams song to check the voice--sounds right. 4.5 stars
3. I don't mind covers, especially not if they're of tunes I like in the first place as is the case here. I agree with an earlier guess that it sounds like King Curtis. 3.5 stars
4. The piano in this version sounds more mellow than other interpretations of this song I've heard. Nice. 3.5 stars
5. Not crazy about it, don't dislike it. 3 stars
6. Not feeling this one. 2.5 stars
7. The alto sounds relaxed despite the frantic pace, and I can see where Paul Desmond would come to mind. Another one I like but am not jumping up and down about. 3 stars
8. Really started digging this one when they turned the guitarist loose--he tears it up. 4 stars
9. Did I mention I like 'em slow? Nice piano work here. 3.75 stars
10. For some reason this one didn't do much for me, despite some skilled playing. 3 stars
11. Favorite so far--a killer rhythm and assertive bass-playing. Despite the fact that I have heard several versions of this, it sounds original and fresh. 5 stars
12. A nice greeeeaazzzy work-out, but not doing a whole lot for me. 3 stars
13. Serious and downright mean-sounding. This one along with 11 are my favorites. 5 stars
That's with a single listen, perhaps my opinions will change on some of these. Looking forward to reading the attempts to decipher who's who. Thanks again, Dan Gould! B)