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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Modern Jazz - Ronnie Lang

Cantara

Modern Jazz
Ronnie Lang And His All Stars
TOPS L1521
1957

From the back cover: Ronny Lang - Tenor Sax
Started with Hoagy Carmichael's Teen-Age Band and progressed from there to Skinnay Ennis in '47. He joined Les Brown in '49, leaving Les for two years of Army Service. Returning to Lew Brown's Band, he was one of the featured side men that made the Brown Band of the 50s one of the top bands in the country. Capitol seated Ronny on an album called the Les Brown's All Stars.

Dave Pell - Baritone and Tenor Sax (courtesy RCA Victor)
Born in New York, played around the East with bands such as Bob Astor, Bobby Sherwood, Tony Pastor, came to the West Coast in 1945. Joined Bob Crosby for two years, then eight years with Les Brown's Band as featured soloist. Currently on RCA Victor recording artist.

Marty Pacich - Piano
Stared in 1938 right around San Francisco Bay area sunil he went into service in 1946... in charge of Army band... came to L.A., went to L.A. Conservatory, and graduated with Master's Degree in Composition... Accompanist to Peggy Lee and Dorothy Dandridge... played with Shorty Rogers... Dave Pell Octet... has arrangements in the books of Stan Kenton, Les Brown, and Dave Pell Octet... one of progressive jazz's leading arrangers and pianists.

Bob Enevoldsen - Valve Trombone
Born in Billings, Montana... graduated University of Montana... Bachelor of Music degree. Went into service, and upon his return to civilian life, played with the Salt Lake City Symphony as Solo Clarinetist for two years. Came to L.A., recorded with Gery Mulligan, Bill Holman, Lennie Neihaus, Bobby Troop, Skinnay Ennis, Francis Faye... Has two albums of his own on Nocturne label... Plays bass tenor sax, clarinet, and on this date, valve trombone.

Johnny Lais - Drums
Started in New Orleans and after a hitch in the navy worked with Frankie Carle, Will Osborne, Louis Prima, George Auld and Matt Dennis... Married to Emma Lou Welsh, the well known singer.

Ray Leatherwood - Bass
A Texan... graduate of S.M.U... played with Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, Jack Teagarden and appeared on Julie London's hit album with Barney Kessel.

From Billboard - January 26, 1957: Quality, more than price, usually dictates jazz sales. This 12-incher is tagged at $1.49, the cover is intriguing and the 12 good tunes (mainly well-known standards) are listed on the cover, where the rack buyers can spot 'em. With Lang, but not listed on the front, are Dave Pell, Marty Palch and Bob Enevoldsen, all of the West Coast clique. The jazz is bland and uninspired. Possibly there will be some "impulse" sales, but the "cats" will probably shun this.

Devil And The Deep Blue Sea - Arranged by Bill MacDougald
How About You - Arranged by Marty Paich
They Can't Take That Away From Me - Arranged by Bob Drasnin
I'll Be Around - Arranged by Bill MacDougald
Basin Street - Arranged by Marty Paich
Taking A Chance On Love - Arranged by Bob Drasnin
Skylark
Midnight Sun
'S Wonderful
A Foggy Day
Cantara
Lullaby In Rhythm

1 comment:

  1. After having to wade through tons of more "modern" jazz, with oodles of Ornett Coleman honking, this is a relaxing "your dad's jazz" album that is anything but "bland" it's a respite from more adventurous and annoying jazz. Plus, it's a great recording. Well worth picking up.

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