This unusual two-CD set not only reissues the original LP of the same name but three other rare Verve LP's from the 1950's. Altoist
Lee Konitz
(on
"An Image"
) is showcased during a set of adventurous
Bill Russo
arrangements for an orchestra and strings in 1958, pops up on half of
Ralph Burns'
underrated 1951 classic
Free Forms
(the most enjoyable of the four sets) and meets up with baritonist
Jimmy Giuffre
, whose arrangements for five saxes (including the great tenor
Warne Marsh
) and a trio led by pianist
Bill Evans
are sometimes equally influenced by classical music and bop. The least interesting date showcases
Giuffre's
clarinet with a string section on his five-part "Piece For Clarinet And String Orchestra" and the 16 brief movements of "Mobiles." Overall this third-stream two-fer contains music that is easier to respect and admire than to love although
fans will probably want to acquire the obscure performances. ~ Scott Yanow