Let's Get Acquainted with Jazz (For People Who Hate Jazz)

by Scott YanowThe drawing on the cover and the liner notes, such as they are, are rather silly, but the music on this brief, but enjoyable, CD reissue (subtitled 'For People Who Hate Jazz') features some fine playing from a variety of top West Coast-based musicians. Pianist Jimmy Rowles is the leader and is assisted by guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Red Mitchell, drummer Mel Lewis, sometimes vibraphonist Larry Bunker and tenor saxophonist Harold Land, or trumpeter Pete Candoli. They perform six standards, three takes on "The Blues" and three originals by Rowles. It's a program of tasteful and lightly swinging mainstream jazz.