If there’s one instrument that has not been explored in jazz, it has to be the baritone horn. That didn’t discourage Gus Manusco (1933-2021) who played the usually unwieldy instrument with the dexterity of a tenor sax. This single disc brings together a pair of 1950s album led by Mancuso that deserve a second and third listen.
Mancuso sure knew how to pick a supporting cast, as his 1955-56 sessions from Hollywood and San Francisco include West Coasters Gerald Wiggins-Vince Guaraldi/p ,Gene Wright/b, Bill Douglas-Cal Tjader/dr, Eddie Duran/g and smooth toned Richie Kamuca/ts. Mancuso blossoms on ballads “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and “I’m Glad There Is You” while swinging mano a mano with Kamuca on uptempo pieces “And Baby Makes Three” and ”Goody Goody”. The 1958 session from San Francisco includes Joe Romano/ts, Pete Jolly/p, Red Mitchell/b and B uddy Greve” with a gorgeously lyrical and agonizing “Guess Who I Saw Today” and a deft “The Boston Beguine”. This album is an undiscovered gem, coming from a time and era when artists were searching for new sounds and styles besides cacophony.