On this enjoyable CD, bebop altoist
Richie Cole performs seven of the main themes from West Side Story, plus his own complex "West Side Blues."
Cole teams up with his longtime guitarist
Vic Juris, pianist
Lou Forestieri, bassist
Ed Howard, drummer
Tommy Campbell and veteran percussionist
Ray Mantilla to give the familiar melodies his "alto madness" treatment, being respectful of the themes while stretching out. Highlights include "America," "Maria" and "Tonight."