The recording quality of the two concerts that comprise this CD is far from optimal, but there is enough good music and nutty humor to make it worth acquiring. Trumpeter
Jack Sheldon
has four vocals, including
"Born to Lose,"
which has a mostly humorous monologue; trombonist
Frank Rosolino
scats and yodels briefly on a speedy "Pennies from Heaven";
Johnny Mercer
drops by to sing "Charade" and an original blues about the band; all three take their turns on "How Long, How Long Blues"; and there are four instrumentals that also feature guitarist
Howard Roberts
. None of the boppish music is all that essential, and there are some overly loose moments, but the high spirits of the date (which also includes bassist
Joe Mondragon
, either
Shelly Manne
or
Stan Levey
on drums and rhythm guitarist
Jack Marshall
) generally overcomes the recording quality. ~ Scott Yanow