Mariano Sigmanmariano Sigman

On these 1955 quartet sessions, whether on alto or tenor saxophone, we hear Charlie Mariano play some of the strongest and most impressive sides he had recorded until then. He was backed by a solid rhythm section, featuring the stabbing and leanly imaginative pianist John Williams, the striding beat of Max Bennett, and the always tasteful drumming of Mel Lewis. All the tracks are marked by a pulse and a flow and deftness which demand satisfactory attention.

In the 1950s, Charlie Mariano was one of the most promising of the bop-oriented altoists. His personnel here is consistent, with Mariano joined by pianist Claude Williamson, bassist Max Bennett, drummer Stan Levey, trombonist Frank Rosolino, and the cool-toned trumpeter Stu Williamson. The repertoire mixes together fairly basic group originals and swinging standards with many fine solos by the horns. An excellent example of Charlie Mariano's playing in the '50s.

Jim Hall's masterful playing is something we have all come to expect from him. Phil Bodner, whose complete mastery of all the redd instruments makes him a one man section, and as such, he is an invaluable asset. Mel Lewis' consistently fine musicianship and his fiery propulsion to the big band tracks is more thanworthy of comment Charlie's gospel-tinged "The Shout", the Sebesky title tune of the album, and Rolf Ericson's delightful jazz waltz, "Pretty Little Nieda", coupled with the standards, make for above average programming, something of a novelty in a business.

Altoist Charlie Mariano plays very much in a Charlie Parker style on these early recordings from Boston (eight from 1951 and six from 1953), but his arrangements for the octet (six of the pieces from the former session) are quite original and unpredictable; only trumpeter Joe Gordon among the otherwise obscure personnel ever gained much recognition. The later six selections match Mariano with trumpeter Herb Pomeroy and the brilliant pianist Dick Twardzik in a quintet; Twardzik, with his odd mixture of Bud Powell and Lennie Tristano, consistently steals the show. A historical and generally enjoyable set, it's recommended for bop fans.