by Scott YanowSlam Stewart was a superior swing-oriented bassist whose ability to bow the bass and hum an octave apart made him famous in the jazz world. He had thought of the idea while studying at Boston Conservatory when he heard Ray Perry singing along with his violin. In 1936, Stewart was with Peanuts Hollands group and the following year he started playing regularly with guitarist/singer/comedian Slim Gaillard in a group logically dubbed Slim and Slam. Flat Foot Floogie became a huge hit and kept the group working through the early 40s. After leaving Gaillard, Stewart was in great demand. He played with Art Tatums trio, was featured on records with the Benny Goodman Sextet, Red Norvo (a famous session with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie), and Lester Young (a classic rendition of Sometimes Im Happy), and led his own group which for a period featured the up-and-coming pianist Erroll Garner. Stewart performed a couple of stunni...