Shades Of Things To Come - Jack Millman

Shades Of Things To Come
Jack Millman Sextet
Jazz Unlimited Series
Featuring: Jack Millman, Flugelhorn; Buddy Collette, Flute, Alto and Tenor Sax; Jimmy Giuffre, Baritone Sax and Clarinet; Bob Harrington, Piano; Harry Babasin, Bass; Larry Capp, Drums
Recorded in Hollywood during September of 1955
Liberty LJH 6007

Currently obscure, but still found online issued as a CD, so I will not post a sample.

Taking the somewhat harsh Billboard comments into account, I say that if you haven't collected examples of the period "heavy competition" and made a similar assessment, you will never know that this set isn't a fine piece of mid-50s jazz.

From the back cover: Jack Maurice Millman was born in Detroit, November 21st, 1930. He began playing the trumpet at the age of sixteen when his grandmother presented him with the instrument. Shortly thereafter, Jack's family moved to South Gate, California where he began studying in earnest. Jack's musical background stems from his father who was an eminent concert pianist.

One of Jack's earliest published compositions "Fantasy X" has a most unusual aspect... it was originally written for his high school commencement exercises! his many compositions include a symphony which was conceived and performed while attending Los Angeles City College. Jack has been a member of many fine jazz groups, most notably, the swinging Stan Kenton aggregation. Jimmy Stamp, who coached many of today's trumpet stars (Shorty Rogers, Conrad Gozzo, Ralph Mendez... to name a few), is credited by Millman for a good measure of his success. Stamp's method of teaching his students the fine art of relaxation results in the greatest progress with the least effort. Jack's favorite trumpet men are Miles Davis and the late Fats Navarro.

From Billboard - May 26, 1956: Along with trumpeter Millman, we have Jimmy Giuffre on bari and clarinet, Buddy Collette on tenor and flute, Larry Bunker on drums, etc. It's competent, but run-of-the Rodgermill West Coast jazz. Incidentally, like Shorty Rodgers, Millman plays a flugelhorn, which has a little deeper tone than a trumpet. Flashy cover and title may help sales, but this faces heavy competition from more distinctive entries in the same vein.

Thinking Of Russ
Along About F
Butterfingers
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
There Will Never Be Another You
The Great Lie
Da Bloosiest Blues
Mother's Whistler
Gone With The Wind
Skylark
It Could Happen To You
That Old Feeling