Altoist
Charlie Mariano plays very much in a
Charlie Parker style on these early recordings from Boston (eight from 1951 and six from 1953), but his arrangements for the octet (six of the pieces from the former session) are quite original and unpredictable; only trumpeter
Joe Gordon among the otherwise obscure personnel ever gained much recognition. The later six selections match
Mariano with trumpeter
Herb Pomeroy and the brilliant pianist
Dick Twardzik in a quintet;
Twardzik, with his odd mixture of
Bud Powell and
Lennie Tristano, consistently steals the show. A historical and generally enjoyable set, it's recommended for bop fans. ~ Scott Yanow