On the first of two albums, Shelly Manne & His Men are heard in prime form performing live at their home base, Shelly's Manne-Hole. Trumpeter
Conte Candoli was in particularly strong form throughout the stint, showing self-restraint yet playing with power. Tenor saxophonist
Richie Kamuca made for a complementary partner, while pianist Russ Freeman and bassist Chuck Berghofer formed an excellent rhythm section with the leader/drummer. For
Vol. 1 they play "Love for Sale,"
Duke Ellington's fairly obscure "How Could It Happen to a Dream," "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise," and
Dizzy Gillespie's uptempo blues "The Champ." This classic music falls between cool jazz and hard bop. ~ Scott Yanow