The two sessions included in this 1998 CD reissue, music that is also available as part of Fresh Sound's Complete Nocturne Recordings Vol. 1 (a three-CD set), are a couple of the finest dates made for the short-lived Nocturne record company.
Babasin, one of the label's founders, was one of the very first jazz cellists. He is heard on both bass and cello during the first seven selections (six standards and an original) in a quintet with vibraphonist Larry Bunker, valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen (who switches to bass when
Babasin plays cello), pianist
Jimmy Rowles, and drummer Roy Harte. The second half of the CD is headed by Enevoldsen (heard on valve trombone and bass), who is joined by pianist
Marty Paich, guitarist
Howard Roberts,
Babasin (sticking to bass) and drummer Don Heath;
Paich and
Bobby Troup contributed four of the seven numbers. The quiet rhythm sections and cool tones make this music the epitome of high-quality 1950s West Coast jazz, easily recommended to collectors who do not have the Fresh Sound box. ~ Scott Yanow