Although drummer
Shelly Manne was closely associated with the Contemporary label for many years, he also recorded for other companies after Contemporary slowed down operations. This particular Koch CD reissues a set that was cut for Atlantic. The 1966 version of
Shelly Manne's Men (altoist
Frank Strozier, trumpeter
Conte Candoli, pianist
Russ Freeman, and bassist
Monty Budwig) played in a similar style to his 1950s groups. Only Strozier hints (and only slightly in spots) at the avant-garde explorations then going on elsewhere. The quintet performs three group originals, an obscurity, "The Breeze and I," and "Margie" (which was arranged by
Jimmy Rowles). Fine hard bop music. ~ Scott Yanow