The first of four CD's taken from radio transcriptions used in the show "The Navy Swings" features trumpeter/flugelhornist
Shorty Rogers playing with two versions of his quintets in 1962, just prior to him greatly de-emphasizing his playing in favor of full-time writing for the studios. The 13 selections generally clock in around three minutes so the cool bop performances are quite concise.
Jeri Southern has three warm vocals and
Rogers shares the frontline with either
Harold Land or Gary Lefebvre on tenors. The results are not quite essential but will be enjoyed by
Shorty's fans; highlights include "Paul's Pal," "Martian's Go Home," "Popo" and two versions of "What Is This Thing Called Love." ~ Scott Yanow