André Previn And His Pals, Shelly Manne & Red Mitchell - West Side Story
Piano – André Previn
Drums – Shelly Manne
Bass – Red Mitchell
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music by Leonard Bernstein
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33RPM
Size : 12”
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Label : Craft Recordings Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series
Original Label : Contemporary Records
Recorded August 24 & 25, 1959 at Contemporary's studio in Los Angeles.
Engineered by Roy DuNann
Produced by Lester Koenig
Mastered and lacquer cut by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
Painting by Ben Shahn
Sleeve Notes by Lester Koenig
Originally released in 1979
Reissued in May 2023
Tracks:
Side A:
- Something's Coming
- Jet Song
- Tonight
- I Feel Pretty
Side B:
- Gee, Officer Krupke!
- Cool
- Maria
- America
Reviews :
“The last of a series of showtune albums recorded by the trio of pianist Andre Previn, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Shelly Manne finds the all-star group focusing on the music of West Side Story (Previn and Manne alternated leadership, and it was the drummer's good fortune to have the famous My Fair Lady album under his own name). (…) As usual, the melodies are treated respectfully yet swingingly, and Andre Previn in particular excels in this setting. Recommended.” AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
“(…) There's no denying the appeal of Leonard Bernstein's now classic score, but Previn finds ingenious ways to rework the melodies and play with the tempo to invigorate the songs, giving them a different personality while still staying true to the original. "Something's Coming" is taken at a brisk gait with a couple of compelling modulations in the middle. "I'm So Pretty" is given a rhythmic jolt, and "Cool" gets an unexpected Teddy Wilson-ish shine. Every song here has something new going for it, and the soloing and interplay between the three is top-notch. West Side Story is the best jazz version of the classic score, and one of Previn's best recordings.” All About Jazz Review by David Rickert
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.67 / 5