Mountain Greenery – 1958
Dave Pell Octet
A stirring rendition by the all-star group
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The stereotype of 1950s West Coast jazz is of a cool-toned and restrained music that is overarranged, bloodless, and an attempt to smooth down the rough edges of bebop.
Like most stereotypes, the image is exaggerated; it does not apply to most West Coast jazz performances of the era.
The Dave Pell Octet used tight arrangements but much of the time its ensembles were bursting with excitement.
From 1958, the group is comprised of its leader on tenor, trumpeter Jack Sheldon, valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, baritonist Ronnie Lang, pianist Marty Paich, guitarist Tommy Tedesco, bassist Buddy Clark, and drummer Frank Capp.
Each of those musicians had long and productive careers with many accomplishments.
This concise version of “Mountain Greenery” hints at the group’s great potential.
-Scott Yanow
