Mel Lewis, formerly with the
Stan Kenton Orchestra (and at the time a busy West Coast studio musician), had a rare opportunity to lead a record date in 1957 when he headed this sextet session for the MOD (Music of the Day) label. With arrangements by
Bob Brookmeyer,
Marty Paich and
Bill Holman,
Lewis and his group (which features
Charlie Mariano on alto and tenor,
Bill Holman doubling on tenor and baritone, trumpeter
Jack Sheldon, pianist
Marty Paich, bassist Buddy Clark and the leader/drummer) perform originals by the three arrangers and
Sheldon, in addition to the standard "You Took Advantage of Me." The enjoyable boppish music is quite colorful. ~ Scott Yanow