Although somewhat overlooked in the jazz history books, vibraphonist
Teddy Charles was for a period an important participant in the early Third Stream movement, using aspects of classical music to revitalize West Coast-style jazz. This CD reissue features trumpeter
Shorty Rogers, tenor saxophonist
Jimmy Giuffre, bassist
Curtis Counce and drummer
Shelly Manne on a couple of advanced originals (one apiece by
Giuffre and
Rogers) from 1953. After moving to New York,
Charles teamed up for a short time with bassist
Charles Mingus, performing six other numbers in a quartet with tenor saxophonist
J.R. Monterose and drummer Gerry Segal. This session alternates cookers with sensitive ballads and is one of the better recorded showcases for
Charles' vibes. Recommended.