This is another valuable addition to the Verve/Acoustic Sound Series.
Shelly Manne — 2-3-4 — Impulse! Stereo A-20 (1962)/Universal Music Group (2026) Verve Acoustic Sound Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 41:38 *****:
(Shelly Manne – drums; Coleman Hawkins – tenor saxophone, piano; Hank Jones – piano; Eddie Costa – piano, vibes; George Duvivier – double bass)
When Shelly Manne first started, he embraced big band and bebop styles. After moving to Los Angeles, he became an influential part off the emerging West Coast Jazz scene. His early albums in the 50’s reflected the tightly arranged and accessible cool jazz. One of Manne’s more successful collaborations was with composer André Previn, including the 1956 My Fair Lady album. The drummer was never comfortable being portrayed as a limited jazz genre musician. Manne played with a wide variety of artists including Earl Hines, Zoot Sims, Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Giuffrie, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman and Bill Evans. His decades-long recording and performing career was renowned for meticulous timekeeping and melody-themed rhythms.
As part of the celebrated Verve/Acoustic Sound series, Universal Music Group has released a re-mastered 180-gram vinyl of the 1962 album, Shelly Manne 2-3-4 (based on the different instrumental formats). Joining him on the session (in New York) are Coleman Hawkins, Hank Jones, Eddie Costa and George Duvivier. This is a quintessential display of Manne’s understated approach to drums and his creative gravitas as a band leader. Side A opens with the signature Duke Ellington song, “Take The “A” Train”. This is a quartet arrangement that is rendered in dual tempo with a bluesy feel. Manne lays down a cymbal-infused groove while Jones offers nimble articulation . At the 2:00 mark, things heat up to medium-swing as Hawkins glides through his extended solo. Duvivier contributes a sinewy run, and the ensemble shifts tempos seamlessly.“The Sick Of Us” is a trio featuring a walking bass line. Costa’s precise rhythmic mallet work is engaging, and has the occasional reverberation. Manne’s drumming becomes forceful at times, and he exchanges crisply with Costa. In a change of pace, “Slowly” is a late-night ballad that showcases Coleman Hawkins. His vibrato-laden delivery captures the melancholy of this composition. Jones’ delicate touch and relaxed chording fits the mood.
Side B is also diverse. “Lean On Me” is a wild ride, as Costa’s no-holds-barred piano riffs (with muscular left-hand notation) resonate with syncopation. Manne is propulsive and the drum fills are compelling. A certain highlight is the robust cover off “Cherokee”. Manne’s furiously kicks off another dual-pronged rhythm. Hawkins’ tenor displays warmth and emotion. Again, masterful tempo anchors this arrangement, and Jones’ gentle chords are a nice counterbalance. The finale (“Me And Some Drums”) is another unique performance…a duet with Coleman Hawkins (who plays piano and tenor). Hawkins’ piano is deliberate and at times lower-register ominous. His saxophone bursts with vigor but also conveys moody vibes. Manne’s delivery is elite with flexible techniques and spacing.
This re-mastered vinyl is excellent. The music is inventive and the sound mix is vibrant with excellent separation.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Shelly Manne: 2-3-4
TrackList:
Side A; Take The “A” Train; The Sicks Of Us; Slowly
Side B: Lean On Me; Cherokee; Me And Some Drums.
