John Graas • Jazz Studio 3-4 Complete Sessions

 

Review by Ken Dryden
This Lonehill Jazz CD compiles the contents of two Decca LPs, Jazz Studio, Vol. 3 and Jazz Studio, Vol. 4. The first sessions consist of several different small groups led by French horn player John Graas, highlighted by the three tracks featuring his good friend Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax. In fact, Mulligan's influence on Graas' writing style is apparent, creating tight ensembles that nevertheless consistently swing, with the leader's well-named "Mulliganesque," a brisk cooker, being especially noteworthy. Among the other musicians are pianist Marty Paich, bassist Red Mitchell, and trumpeter Don Fagerquist. Other tracks feature tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, trumpeter Conte Candoli, alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and either Paich or André Previn, with Jimmy Giuffre on baritone sax. Graas' "Rogersesque," which salutes Shorty Rogers (another prominent influence upon the leader), showcases Mariano, Candoli, Paich, and guitarist Howard Roberts to good effect. The last 12 selections are from Jazz Studio, Vol. 4, with all of the compositions contributed by trumpeter and flügelhornist Jack Millman, though the personnel and arrangers vary widely from one song to the next. Like Graas' works, Millman's have stood the test of time, even if they never became a part of regularly played jazz repertoire. The music is still very fresh decades after it was recorded, with some of the cream of the crop of West Coast musicians present, including Gerry Wiggins, Curtis Counce, Chico Hamilton, Bob Gordon, Buddy Collette, Jack Montrose, and Russ Freeman, among others. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the date is the Latin-infused "Cathy Goes South," arranged by Johnny Mandel with Maynard Ferguson playing claves. 
https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-studio-vols-3-4-complete-sessions-mw0000191145

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Reseña de Ken Dryden
Este CD de Lonehill Jazz recopila el contenido de dos LP de Decca: Jazz Studio, Vol. 3 y Jazz Studio, Vol. 4. Las primeras sesiones consisten en varios grupos pequeños liderados por el trompista John Graas, destacando los tres temas en los que su buen amigo Gerry Mulligan toca el saxo barítono. De hecho, la influencia de Mulligan en el estilo compositivo de Graas es evidente, creando conjuntos sólidos que, sin embargo, mantienen un swing consistente, destacando especialmente el acertado "Mulliganesque" del líder, un estilo de cocción enérgico. Entre los músicos que lo acompañan se encuentran el pianista Marty Paich, el bajista Red Mitchell y el trompetista Don Fagerquist. Otros temas incluyen al saxofonista tenor Zoot Sims, al trompetista Conte Candoli, al saxofonista alto Charlie Mariano y a Paich o André Previn, con Jimmy Giuffre al saxo barítono. "Rogersesque" de Graas, que rinde homenaje a Shorty Rogers (otra influencia destacada del líder), presenta con gran éxito a Mariano, Candoli, Paich y al guitarrista Howard Roberts. Las últimas 12 selecciones pertenecen a Jazz Studio, Vol. 4, con todas las composiciones aportadas por el trompetista y fliscornista Jack Millman, aunque el personal y los arreglistas varían considerablemente de una canción a otra. Al igual que las obras de Graas, las de Millman han resistido el paso del tiempo, incluso si nunca llegaron a formar parte del repertorio de jazz habitual. La música sigue muy vigente décadas después de su grabación, con la presencia de algunos de los músicos más destacados de la Costa Oeste, como Gerry Wiggins, Curtis Counce, Chico Hamilton, Bob Gordon, Buddy Collette, Jack Montrose y Russ Freeman, entre otros. Quizás una de las mayores sorpresas de la cita sea "Cathy Goes South", con influencias latinas, arreglada por Johnny Mandel con Maynard Ferguson tocando las claves. https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-studio-vols-3-4-sesiones-completas-mw0000191145

Tracks:
Jazz Studio 3    
1 - Mulliganesque5:24
2 - My Buddy 2:44
3 - 6/4 And Even 5:57
4 - Charleston 2:50
5 - Rogeresque 3:04
6 - Jazz Selections From Symphony No.1 In F Minor: Sonata Allegro 7:03
7 - Jazz Selections From Symphony No.1 In F Minor: Scherzo 6:14
8 - Twelfth Street Rag 2:54
 - Jazz Studio 4    
9 - Groove Juice 2:37
10 - Pink Lady 2:48
11 - Too Much 2:55
12 - Ballade For Jeanie 3:31
13 - The Turk 4:06
14 - When You're Near 2:09
15 - Tom And Jerry 2:53
16 - So Goes My Love 3:15
17 - Bolero De Mendez 3:00
18 - Just A Pretty Tune 2:57
19 - Cathy Goes South 3:39
20 - Bambi 2:17


Featuring Gerry Mulligan, John Graas, Conte Candoli, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Giuffre, Jack Millman, Barney Kesse and Shelly Manne
Recorded in Los Angeles, 1954-1955

Notes:
1 to 3: Los Angeles, December 16, 1954.
4, 6, 7: Los Angeles, January 6, 1955.
5, 8: Los Angeles, January 8, 1955.
9, 10, 17, 18: Hollywood, June 1, 1955.
11, 14 to 16: Hollywood, May 25, 1955.
12, 13, 19, 20: Hollywood, May 18, 1955. 

 

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