Jazz For Dancing And Listening

These selections were compiled from the following albums: [m1107210] (1-1 to 1-12). [m709942] (2-5 to 2-16). [m800883] (1-13 to 1-14, 2-1, 2-3 to 2-4). [m872137] (1-15 to 1-16, 2-2). Personnel: Don Fagerquist (tp), Ray Sims (tb), Dave Pell (ts, b-cl), Bob Gordon, Marty Berman (bs), Donn Trenner, Paul Smith, André Previn, Claude Williamson (p), Tony Rizzi (g), Buddy Clark, Rolly Bundock, Mel Pollan (b), Bill Richmond, Jack Sperling, Irv Kluger (d), Roy Harte (bongos), Marty Paich, Wes Hensel, Johnny Mandel, Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Jack Montrose (arr). The Dave Pell Octet was one of the most successful West Coast modern jazz combos in the 50s, playing a stimulating and swinging repertoire ideal for the groups aims. Dave Pell favoured variations on the melody rather than the harmonic emphasis heard in the work of his contemporaries. The deftly crafted arrangements, by Marty Paich, Shorty Rogers, Johnny Mandel, Wes Hensel, Bill Holman, Jack Montrose, André Previn, and Jimmy Giuffre, established the groups sound and personality, and offered shrewdly placed spots for its stellar soloists. They were a hit everywhere, with concerts and teenage dances notable showcases for the unit. With three of its key personnel, Pell, Don Fagerquist and Ray Sims, honed by years as star soloists of Les Browns band, the Octets cohesion was remarkable. These originally Atlantic and Capitol sessions also featured the wonderfully swinging sound of Bob Gordons baritone sax. Elected New Star of the Year in the 1955 Down Beat critics poll, he was killed in an automobile accident two months after these recordings were made. His work here remains a brilliant display of his great talent.