A Jazz Band Ball: First Set in Bloomington, MN

On this reissue CD, pianist/arranger
Marty Paich
heads a septet that consists of trumpeters
Jack Sheldon
and
Don Fagerquist
, valve trombonists
Stu Williamson
Bob Enevoldsen
, and a quiet rhythm section with bassist
Buddy Clark
and drummer
Mel Lewis
. While some swing standards are taken as stomps (including
"Blue Lou"
"Jumpin' at the Woodside"
), a pair of Dixieland warhorses (
"Dinah"
"Ida"
) are surprisingly recast as dreamy and introspective ballads. In addition, there are a couple other familiar pieces, plus an original apiece by
Paich
(
"Iris of the IRA"
) and
Bill Holman
. The cool-toned music holds one's interest and is one of many fine
recordings from the 1950s. ~ Scott Yanow