Trumpeter
Jack Sheldon is heard leading two separate sessions from the late '50s. The earlier supporting cast includes
Pete Jolly,
Stu Williamson, and baritone saxophonist
Billy Root. Several of the arrangements on the first studio date are by
Lennie Niehaus, including the uplifting opener, "On Green Dolphin Street," the snappy blues "I'm Also a Person" (composed by
Niehaus), and a richly textured chart of "I Had the Craziest Dream."
George Wallington scored two snappy originals, "Arrividerci" and "Brown Cow." The mood is much lighter on the second date, with all of the arrangements by
Paul Moer, including three originals. Although
Art Pepper,
Mel Lewis,
Herb Geller,
Chet Baker, and
Harold Land are among the musicians present, this session is still a cut below the first. The playing is at a consistently strong level, even if some of the arrangements and compositions are less than memorable. But fans of cool jazz will likely enjoy this CD.