Search - Shelly Manne :: Boss Sounds!

Manne, can these cats PLAY!

Ron M. | Rutherford, NJ USA | 05/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. This is by far the best of the live Shelly Manne dates, and far exceeds the Manne- Hole and Blackhawk sessions. It's well rehearsed. Good arrangements. Tight ensemble playing, yet the blowing is loose and groovy. And it is wonderfully buoyant and upbeat. This is a true jazz lover's treat. I would be remiss not to mention how excellent this rhythm section is, and what a treat it is to hear Frank Strozier, too infrequently recorded in his day, in superior form. (For another good Strozier performance, see McCoy Tyner's "Today & Tomorrow." Highly recommended.) The personnel, by the way, is: Conte Condoli on trumpet; Frank Strozier on alto; Russ Freeman on piano; Monty Budwig on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums. If you want to hear top-notch professionals at the top of their game, with tight, well-rehearsed arrangements, this CD is an absolute must. Hats off to Koch Jazz!"

The test of time

Crowhurst | New York, USA | 06/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those of you already familiar with Shelly Manne and his Men already know that these guys swing terrifically but something that makes this album especially interesting is the substitution of Frank Strozier's modern alto in place of former sideman Richie Kamuca's Pres-inspired tenor. Strozier's consummate blend of inside/outside blowing endows this group with a wonderfully vital edge.



As musically accomplished and swinging as any of Shelly's classic albums of the 50's, 'Boss Sounds' (recorded live in 1966 at Shelly's Manne Hole, Hollywood) is an unheralded jazz gem full of taut ensemble arrangements and focused soloing that sounds just as vibrant and modern as the day it was recorded.













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