LA based pianist made a successful living as a sideman for the likes of Les Paul, Tommy Dorsey, but especially Ella Fitzgerald for a multi-decade run before finally leaving us in 2013. He did put out a handful of albums under his own name, and these two from 1959-60 on a single disc are up there among his best.
His ’59 trio with Leroy Vinnegar/b and Stan Levey spotlight why so many vocalists sought him out. He’s highly lyrical and melodic on tunes such as “The Big Men” and “Theme for Theda” yet can also give extra flavor and style to well known pieces such as “Yesterday’s” and even breath fresh air into “Tea for Two.” His quartet of Barney Kessell/g, Morty Corb and Irv Cottler/dr delves into the Rogers and Hammerstein classic movie and take a joyful trip on “The Lonely Goatherd” and “No Way to Stop It.” Kessel gets some nice solo space here and there, with a nice venture on “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Edelweiss” blossoms like a spring morning in Austria. A tasty treat.
Fresh Sound Records