On this reissue CD, pianist/arranger
Marty Paich heads a septet that consists of trumpeters
Jack Sheldon and
Don Fagerquist, valve trombonists
Stu Williamson and Bob Enevoldsen, and a quiet rhythm section with bassist Buddy Clark and drummer
Mel Lewis. While some swing standards are taken as stomps (including "Blue Lou" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside"), a pair of Dixieland warhorses ("Dinah" and "Ida") are surprisingly recast as dreamy and introspective ballads. In addition, there are a couple other familiar pieces, plus an original apiece by
Paich ("Iris of the IRA") and
Bill Holman. The cool-toned music holds one's interest and is one of many fine
Marty Paich recordings from the 1950s. ~ Scott Yanow