Eric Felten: Meets the Dek-Tette

In a tribute to Mel Tormé and Marty Paich, veterans of the West Coast jazz scene gather with singer/trombonist Eric Felten to interpret enjoyable standards in their own sweet way. Felten's clear baritone voice gives the session a smooth texture that proves to be an appropriate homage to singer Tormé.

Patterned after Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool sessions, Marty Paich's Dek-tette had a full sound that made the small group sound like a full orchestra. The same kind of musical arranging has gone into Felten's session, as he gets a big sound out of his stellar ensemble.

Felten sings 'em with a mellow nonchalance that recalls the Big Band Era. His musical partners follow with a confident stride that only veterans can muster. Jack Sheldon provides luscious trumpet solos, Herb Geller fills with amicable alto strides, Med Flory adds several standout solos, and Felten picks up the trombone for a few volatile forays. During the course of the program, the Dek-tette's rhythm tandem and Les Benedict's tuba color with a sparkling texture.

Without a piano, the ensemble offers a different point of view that relies on its remarkable orchestrations for its effect. Couple that with Felten's smooth baritone vocals and you have a winning performance.