West Coast Jazz All Stars

West Coast Jazz All Stars: Original Jazz Compositions

by David Rickert
June 10, 2007

You can't judge a CD by its cover. Based on the title and the lineup on the front--Bob Cooper, Bud Shank, Don Fagerquist, Jimmy Rowles, and Shelley Manne--one would think that this would be a classic West Coast blowing session, something recorded on a Sunday afternoon at the Lighthouse, perhaps. However, the music contained on this CD is actually two sessions led by composer Dean Elliott, with the players largely confined to studio roles. One is a soundtrack, the other ...