Other than a Bethlehem album in 1955 and a few obscure titles, all of vibraphonist
Joe Roland's recordings as a leader are on this enjoyable CD reissue.
Roland, best-known for an early '50s stint with
George Shearing's Quintet, was a excellent vibist whose style fell somewhere between
Terry Gibbs and
Milt Jackson. He is paired in two 1954 quintets with either
Freddie Redd (who plays conventional bop) and
Wade Legge (sounding at his most eccentric) on piano. However the most memorable set is from 1950 for
Roland is joined by guitar (
Joe Puma), bass, drums and a string quartet. The writing for the strings (which is uncredited) is quite inventive and, although the strings do not solo, they sound very much like a jazz ensemble. It is particularly interesting to hear this instrumentation playing "Half Nelson," "Dee Dee's Dance" and
Roland's original "Sally Is Gone"; guest singer
Paula Castle does a fine job on the haunting "Love Is Just a Plaything." Recommended.