Lush, Latin & Cool, mmm. As disastrous as a "Piano Quartet" may sound in theory, this record is actually pretty listenable. Marty Paich gathered three other jazz pianists, Pete Jolly, Jimmie Rowles & John Williams (maybe the soundtrack guy??) as well as a swinging jazz combo including horns to make this record. They really tackle a wide range of material on here, lush ballads, jump blues, latin & it is all tastefully arranged & performed. I picked this record up at a fair I think for a few cents expecting a four piano, unaccompanied noodle fest, but in reality this record is just a straight up nice piano with rhythm album that is kind of jazzy. The latin take on Autumn Leaves is nice, there are also good versions of Misirlou, One O'Clock Jump, St Louis Blues & Stella By Starlight. Recorded in 1961, have a listen to Honky Tonk Train.
Marty Paich – Honky Tonk Train.mp3
Filed under: Jazz, Lounge / Exotica
I love it. What’s the secret of that bass sound? Who’s the guy killing it on sax? I must confess the cover and concept is indeed a major turn off. This would be one record to keep in the collection coverless, possibly even with the labels peeled off.
I think it is an electric bass rocking out which is strange for this sort of record. None of the other players are credited.
Regarding the other performers,
This info from another website:
On Tracks 1, 9, 10 & 12
Stu Williamson – Trumpet;
Dave Wells – Trumpet, Trombone;
Art Pepper – Alto & Tenor Sax;
Bud Shank – Alto & Tenor Sax;
Bill Pittman – Guitar;
Joe Mondragon – Bass;
Mel Lewis – Drums.
On Tracks 3, 6, 8 & 11
Bill Pittman – Guitar;
Joe Mondragon – Bass;
Carlos Mejia – Conga;
Ray Rivera – Percussion;
Manuel López – Percussion;
Pat RodrÃguez – Percussion.
On Tracks 2, 4, 5 & 7
Gerald Vinci – Violin;
Lou Raderman – Violin;
Virginia Majewski – Viola;
Eleanor Slatkin – Cello;
Bill Pittman – Guitar;
Joe Mondragon – Bass;
Mel Lewis – Drums.