West Coast Jazz in waltz time…
Shorty Rogers & His Giants – Jazz Waltz – Reprise/PurePleasure PPAN R9-6060 – Audiophile stereo 180 gm LP ****:
(Shorty Rogers – flugelhorn; Bud Shank – alto sax and flute; Joe Maini – alto sax; Paul Horn – alto sax and flute; Bill Hood – baritone sax; Bill Perkins and Bob Cooper – tenor sax; Harry Betts, Milt Bernhardt – trombone; George Rogers and Kenny Shroyer – bass trombone; Al Porcino and Ray Triscari – trumpet; Joe Burnett and Ollie Mitchell – trumpet and flugelhorn; Emil Richards and Larry Bunker – vibraphone; Lou Levy – piano; Joe Mondragon – bass; Mel Lewis – drums)
Shorty Rogers was a master bandleader for showcasing the strengths of West Coast jazz—cool counterpoint and a gentle yet insistent swing, blending a strong ensemble mix with catchy melody that went well with the warm beach breezes in southern California. Shorty was also a risk taker, incorporating Latin rhythms along with movie theme soundtracks. On Jazz Waltz, Rogers uses waltz time to explore a bit of gospel, folk melody, Ellington, as well as well known movie themes and standards.
At this time (1962), Rogers had his pick of West Coast jazz stalwarts, including Bud Shank, Paul Horn, Bill Perkins, Lou Levy and Mel Lewis. Shorty was generous in providing solos and musicians could always count on swinging arrangements from him. This album had been out of print for many years until PurePleasure, as part of their reissue series, re-released this record in remastered stereo, through engineer Ray Staff in London. Acoustics are sharp and the ensemble playing is well mixed.
“I’m Gonna Go Fishing” features sparkling vibes from Larry Bunker and the counterpoint between the sax section and the brass is well evident. “Greensleeves” has Bud Shank soaring on the well known melody, and Emil Richards on vibes is top notch. “Walk on the Wild Side” is arranged to show the band’s ensemble strengths. The brass section powers through to the end of the tune.
“Witchcraft” is underwhelming, and a bit listless, but is almost rescued by Lou Levy, on piano. Gospel meets waltz on “Be as Children” and its Sunday church vibe is accented by Bud Shank’s flute. Larry Bunker’s vibes bring a polish both here as well as throughout the album. Emil Richards appears instead on half of the tracks, and is every bit as good.
“Echoes of Harlem” from Ellington is moody and atmospheric, like a street scene in the neighborhood. There is a fun quote from “The Sidewalks of New York” that fits right in. “Taste of Honey” is a feature for flute and vibes (Paul Horn and Emil Richards). “The Streets of Laredo” makes heavy use of counterpoint with pianist Lou Levy and baritone saxist, Bill Hood, trading lines.
For fans of Shorty Rogers and West Coast jazz, this album fits the bill. Its gentle swing is contagious.
Tracklist:
Side A:
I’m Gonna Go Fishin’
Greensleeves
Walk on the Wild Side
Witchcraft
Be as Children
Side B:
Jazz Waltz
Echoes of Harlem
A Taste of Honey
Terence’s Farewell
The Streets of Laredo
—Jeff Krow
