This V.S.O.P CD, a straight reissue of a
Marty Paich date for Tampa, repeats the packaging faults of the original LP. Although it is a quintet date, the only personnel listed are the pianist/leader, bassist Joe Mondragon, and vibraphonist Larry Bunker; guitarist
Howard Roberts and drummer Frank Capp go unacknowledged, but certainly not unheard. The scanty liner notes claim that this is music to relax by, and that all of the tunes are up-tempo; actually the first tune, "Dool's Blues" is quite slow! But overlooking those discrepancies, the unfortunately brief program is actually quite enjoyable, showcasing
Paich the pianist (rather than the arranger) in prime form.
Roberts and Bunker also have plenty of solos, and the boppish repertoire (five standards, two originals, and
Count Basie's obscure "Jump for Me") continually holds one's interest. ~ Scott Yanow