Back in the early days of stereo albums, there were records that were simply made to “show off” the quality of your sound system. These two discs are exhibit A and B for what engineers were trying to achieve in attempting to bring an entire jazz orchestra into your room. This music itself is a real treat as well.
Drummer Terry Snyder leads a Wagnerian jazz orchestra in 196-61 sessions that included the likes of Doc Severinsen/tp, Urbie Green/tp, Bob Haggart/b and lots of guys like Eddie Costa on percussion, percussion, PERCUSSION! The rhythmic avalanche includes a chicka boomed “Get Out Of Touwn” , a “Binga, Banga Bongo” that is custom made for a “Twist” party, a tribal “Oye Negra” and a take of “Guys and Dolls” that is as sharp and crisp as Nathan Detroit’s lapels. The chimes are out for “If I Were A Bell” and the drums shine like a bright light on “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise”. The sounds are such a throwback to B movies that you expect a guest appearance from Gloria Grahame or Lee J. Cobb!
Dean Elliott was sort of like the Brian Eno of his day in the sense that he liked to add all of these peculiar electric-sounding and atmospheric effects to create an experimental sense to the big band charts. The musicians in the 1956 and 1962 sessions are top notch, including Bud Shank/as, Bob Cooper/ts, Alvin Stoller/dr, Ted Nash/fl, and Don Fagerquist/tp. Some of the pieces such as “Fine and Dandy” or “A Gal In Calico” actually have a hint of Nelson Riddle, while you get some vo-cool voices on “I’ve Had My Moments”. There are some pulses that sound synthesized on “Baubles, Bangles and Beads” and intriguing sound effects on “It’s All Right With Me” and “They Didn’t Believe Me” as well as some Middle Eastern nuances on “Say It With Your Eyes”.
Once again, the liner notes and session info is quite educational, and the music is definitely begging to be used for either a move or video gam.