Shelly Manne was one of the prime movers in California jazz circles during the Fifties and beyond, as a drummer, group leader, and, later, as a clubowner. He contributed expertise and spirit to countless recordings, but most significant are those documenting the many different groups he had. This 1956 edition, with altoman Charlie Mariano, trumpeter Stu Williamson, pianist Russ Freeman, and bassist Leroy Vinnegar, offered swinging and thinking in perfect balance. Two originals by Mariano, and one each from Manne, Freeman, and Bill Holman, complement such classics as Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco," Sonny Rollins's "Doxy," and that early anthem of West Coast jazz, Bernie Miller's "Bernie's Tune."

with Stu Williamson, Charlie Mariano, Russ Freeman, Leroy Vinnegar