Brilliant West Coast Jazz
Conscientious Objector | CA United States | 04/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lennie Niehaus was one of the sharpest of the West Coast Jazzers, an extraordinary alto player with amazing technique and well constructed solos. But, great player though he was, the real reason to get this CD (and volumes two and three) is Niehaus' writing and arranging. While Gerry Mulligan was doing his pianoless quartets without the omnipresent (in jazz) harmonic ball and chain, Niehaus takes it to the next level, with intricately weaving lines of three saxes, drums and bass in the first 8 tracks, which are essential. He does add a piano for the rest of the tracks, which are a bit of a comedown from the sound of the quintet tracks. For those who like West Coast Jazz of the 50s, and haven't heard Niehaus, you may well be amazed. Although the value of his arranging for movies can be debated, it's hard to listen to these records and not wonder where else he could have gone besides to the movies."
An hour of joyous jazz
James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 07/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These 20 tracks from 1954-55 are the first installment of a four-CD set. Half are Lennie's original tunes, and half are his arrangements of jazz standards. All are a joy to listen to, and they remind us that Lennie was a capable saxophonist, and a lyrical improviser, in addition to his (possibly better known) writing talent.
Lennie invited players from Stan Kenton's roster and other popular west coast jazz groups to fill the quintet and octet sessions heard here. Among these were Bill Holman, Bob Gordon, and Jimmy Giuffre on saxes, Lou Levy on piano, and Shelly Manne on drums.
I first encountered Lennie Niehaus as a writer of big band arrangements, TV and movie scores, and jazz saxophone training books, and only later discovered him as a player - one who practices what he preaches. Now that I've sampled the great music and audio quality of Vol. 1, I plan to acquire the whole set."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
