The excellent
bop
drummer
Stan Levey
, who retired from playing in the 1960s to become a full-time photographer, led five record dates during 1954-1957 of which this set for
MOD
(which has been reissued on CD by the
V.S.O.P.
label) was the last one.
Levey
gathered together quite an impressive lineup (trumpeter
Conte Candoli
,
Richie Kamuca
on tenor, pianist
Lou Levy
, and bassist
Monty Budwig
) to perform two of
Kamuca
's originals, three
standards
and the rarely played
"Ole Man Rebop."
All of the musicians are in prime form, displaying contrasting but complementary styles. This swinging date is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow