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Manny Albam led many fine all-star big bands assembled specifically for recording sessions, and this compilation combines two related Coral LPs into a double-CD set. The first volume is a star-studded disc with Gerry Mulligan, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, and Phil Woods in the reed section; Bob Brookmeyer, Nick Travis, and Art Farmer making up the brass section; and the rhythm team of Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, and Osie Johnson. Albam sticks mostly to originals. He spreads the solo responsibilities around a good bit while playing musicians against one another with inspired countermelodies. "My Sweetie Went Away," associated with Lester Young but dating from the 1920s, provides a bit of contrast to the remainder of the material. The second disc focuses heavily on West Coast players like Richie Kamuca, Conte Candoli, Bill Holman, and Shelly Manne, though there's a ringer on trumpet, Harry "Sweets" Edison (identified under a pseudonym on the original record). Edison makes his presence known with "Sweet's -- Bread" and his easily identified muted horn in "Jive at Five." Candoli and Jack Sheldon trade licks in "How Long Has This Been Going On." Although each of these albums was reissued during the LP era, this Lone Hill Jazz compilation marks their first appearance in the CD era. ~ Ken Dryden
