With a reputation as one of the originators of cool jazz, it's ironic that over the years tenor saxophonist
Warne Marsh
gained a following of musicians mainly associated with the avant-garde, spearheaded by multi-reedist
Anthony Braxton
. These musicians heard what this disc demonstrates: that cool didn't always mean smoothed out. Originally issued in 1957,
Music for Prancing
is
Marsh
's second session as a leader with pianist
Ronnie Ball
,
Red Mitchell
on bass, and
Stan Levey
on drums. The quartet performs four standards such as the usually subdued
Rodgers & Hart
ballad
"You Are Too Beautiful,"
which they make swing, and two originals:
Ball
's
"Ad Libido"
and
"Playa del Ray."
A strong CD reissue on the budget label
VSOP
. ~ Al Campbell