Jazz
John Graas - Arranger, French Horn
Bill Perkins - Sax (Tenor)
Bob Enevoldsen - Trombone (Valve)
Claude Williamson - Piano
Curtis Counce - Bass
Dave Pell - Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Tenor)
Don Fagerquist - Trumpet
Gerald Wiggins - Piano
Herb Geller - Sax (Alto)
Howard Roberts - Guitar
Jack Montrose - Arranger, Sax (Tenor)
Jimmy Giuffre - Clarinet, Sax (Baritone)
Larry Bunker - Drums
Marty Paich - Piano
Paul Moer - Piano
Philly Joe Jones - Drums
Red Norvo - Vibraphone
* Don Gold - Author
* Frank Kelley - Liner Notes
* John Flanagan - Liner Notes
* William Claxton - Inlay Photography
One of the most overlooked musicians considered to be a part of the so-called cool school is John Graas, who initially played French horn in a classical setting then switched to jazz for good in 1946. This Lone Hill Jazz compilation gathers most of the tracks from his two Decca LPs, Jazz Lab 1 and Jazz Lab 2 (with a missing cut added to a later compilation by the label), featuring musicians like Herb Geller, Dave Pell, Jimmy Giuffre, Marty Paich, Curtis Counce, Gerald Wiggins, Jack Montrose, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones over the five sessions heard in this collection. In addition to the leader's compositions, the various small groups delve into standards and works by the bandmembers. Graas' classical background is apparent on most of the songs, though the music is consistently swinging and never overly arranged. Fran Kelley's detailed original liner notes are included. John Graas' death from a sudden heart attack at age 37 in 1962 cut short a promising career; the reappearance of this long unavailable music on this compilation CD should be welcome news to fans of mid-'50s cool jazz.
---Ken Dryden, All Music Guide |
