Shelly Manne: 2, 3, 4 (Acoustic Sounds) (180 g) (LP)

Although Shelly Manne (1920-1984) is often reduced to his role in the West Coast jazz scene, he was in fact one of the most versatile American drummers. During his career, he worked with almost all the greats of jazz in a wide range of styles (from swing to bebop to avant-garde) and was also featured on albums by Tom Waits and Frank Zappa. He also shows some of this flexibility on the album "2-3-4", recorded in 1962, which owes its title to the fact that Manne presents himself here as a duo, trio and quartet. This includes a reunion with two musicians with whom he had played together at the beginning of his career in New York in the 1940s: tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins and pianist Hank Jones. In addition to imaginatively interpreted well-known standards, the musicians also present two laconically titled originals: "The Sick of Us" and "2Me and Some Drums". Recorded on February 5 and 8, 1962, "2-3-4" is considered one of drummer Shelly Manne's most celebrated small group sessions. Combining the tradition of swing with modern improvisation, the album focuses on both Hawkins in a late-career renaissance and Manne's subtle rhythmic leadership. The extended interpretations of standards like "Take the A Train" and "Cherokee" as well as "I'm Coming Virginia" and "Avalon" showcase expressive tenor saxophone playing, sophisticated harmonies and an impeccable sense of time. The result is a relaxed yet richly nuanced session that remains a favorite among Impulse! aficionados and is considered an important document of Hawkins' later creative period. Verve Acoustic Sounds series: completely analog mastered from the original tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QPR pressing (180 g), sturdy tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve