Search - Jimmy Rowles :: Weather in a Jazz Vane

Jimmy's Swinging Forecast

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 09/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Theme" albums are always a bit worrisome because they can be contrived...trying to fit some charts together that perhaps don't fit very naturally. But this 1958 set by a Jimmy Rowles led septet of west coast studio notables is an exception. 10 charts (and 2 alternative takes) that all have something to do with the weather (The Breeze and I, Let It Snow...get the point?) arranged by Rowles and Bill Holman, dean of the west coast swing sound in the 50's. The playing is tight featuring sidemen like Mel Lewis, Holman, Herb Geller etc. The arrangements are generally good but compared to other outings by these guys (or similar groups led by Dave Pell and others) this one just doesn't swing as hard. Recommended but not Rowles best."