Russ Garcia was a popular arranger in the mid-'50s, often working with some of the best jazz artists of the day. On this session for Bethlehem, he conducts an octet with four trombonists (including
Maynard Ferguson,
Frank Rosolino,
Herbie Harper and
Tommy Pederson), plus baritone saxophonist
Dick Houlgate, pianist
Marty Paich, bassist
Red Mitchell and drummer
Stan Levey. Most of
Garcia's cool arrangements are of standards, while his "I'll Never Forget What's Her Name (The Lo-est)" is a barely disguised reworking of the chord changes to "Fine and Dandy." Obviously, the trombonists are the primary focus of the solos, though
Paich,
Houlgate and
Mitchell get a chance to get in a few licks of their own.
Garcia's use of a trombone choir is very effective in the warm treatment of "Lush Life" and a cooking "What Is This Thing Called Love." ~ Ken Dryden