Recorded between 1952 and 1953, the tracks gathered on Ace High showcase the talent of Tab Smith, an alto and tenor saxophonist whose warm playing greatly helped bridge swing, rhythm & blues, and the early stirrings of rock'n'roll. Alternating original compositions and standards, these sessions highlight a musician with expressive phrasing, capable of moving from robust blues to ballads steeped in lyricism without losing his sense of melody. Surrounded notably by pianists Lavern Dillon and Teddy Brannon, Tab Smith performs in a context where jazz was gradually opening up to a wider audience, driven by accessible arrangements and infectious energy. This Delmark reissue brings together the complete second series of recordings made for United Records, offering an essential glimpse into a pivotal period in the saxophonist’s career.