Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant sounds of the West Coast jazz scene with Shorty Rogers' "Complete Quintet Sessions." This expansive three-volume collection, released by Fresh Sound Records, offers an unparalleled journey through the iconic trumpeter and arranger's career, spanning sessions from 1954 to 1956. With a genre-blending mix of cool jazz, exotica, big band, and hard bop, this album is a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Shorty Rogers, renowned for his distinctive style and innovative arrangements, leads a quintet through a diverse range of compositions. The album kicks off with a series of tracks from September 1954, including the playful "Joycycle" and the classic "The Lady Is a Tramp." As the sessions progress, Rogers and his ensemble explore a variety of moods and tempos, from the upbeat "Loaded" to the introspective "Michele's Meditation."
One of the standout features of this collection is its historical significance. These sessions capture Shorty Rogers at the height of his creative powers, working with some of the most talented musicians of the era. The album includes both well-known standards and lesser-known gems, providing a comprehensive overview of Rogers' artistic vision.
With a running time of nearly three hours, "Complete Quintet Sessions" is a substantial addition to any jazz collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Shorty Rogers or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous production and detailed liner notes further enhance the enjoyment, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the golden age of West Coast jazz.
(C) 2012 Fresh Sound Records(P) 2012 Fresh Sound Records
Tracks
Joycycle - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, September 10, 1954"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
The Lady Is a Tramp - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, September 10, 1954"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
The Goof and I - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, September 10, 1954"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
My Little Suede Shoes - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, September 10, 1954"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Isn't It Romantic? - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Not Really the Blues - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Martians Go Home - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
My Heart Stood Still - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Loaded - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Oh! Play That Thing - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Bill - From Vol. 1, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
12 Street Rag - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
The Lady in Red - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 1, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Trickleydidlier - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Solarization - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Michele's Meditation - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Barbaro - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 21, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Planetarium - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 26, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Martians Come Back - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 26, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
March of the Martians - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, March 26, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Papouche - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Martians Stay Home - From Vol. 2, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Peals - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Lotus Bud - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Easy - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Amber Leaves - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, November 3, 1955"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Hurricane Carol - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, July 2, 1956"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Breezin' Along in the Trades - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, July 2, 1956"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Marooned in a Monsoon - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, July 2, 1956"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
The Chinook That Melted My Heart - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, July 2, 1956"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Prevailing on the Westerlies - From Vol. 3, "Hollywood, July 2, 1956"Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Jolly, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne
Shorty Rogers, born Milton Michael Rajonsky, was a pioneering figure in West Coast jazz, renowned for his distinctive trumpet and flugelhorn playing, as well as his exceptional arranging skills. Hailing from Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Rogers honed his craft at the High School of Music and Art, surrounded by fellow symphonic players. His career took off with Woody Herman's Second Herd, where his arrangements helped define the band's legendary sound. Rogers went on to become one of the founders of the "cool" jazz movement, blending intricate harmonies with a relaxed, melodic style. His discography, spanning genres from cool jazz and exotica to big band and hard bop, offers a rich tapestry of musical exploration. Albums like "The Swinging Mr. Rogers" showcase his innovative spirit and enduring influence on the jazz landscape.
Vinylscout
Shorty Rogers
