George Wein's Newport All-Stars (CD - 1969)

Red Norvo (vibraphone); Tal Farlow, Barney Kessel (guitar); Larry Ridley (bass); Don Lamond (drums).

Originally released on Atlantic (1533).

Personnel: George Wein (vocals, piano, electric piano); Tal Farlow (guitar, bass guitar); Barney Kessel (guitar); Ruby Braff (cornet); Red Norvo (vibraphone); Don Lamond (drums).

Recording information: Atlantic Recording Studios, New York, NY (02/26/1969/02/27/1969).

Introduction by: Barney Kessel.

Unlike the earlier editions of the Newport All-Stars, the 1969 group leaned much more heavily toward swing and elements of bop than to dixieland. In addition to pianist George Wein and cornetist Ruby Braff, the band heard on this Atlantic Lp includes vibraphonist Red Norvo, both Tal Farlow and Barney Kessel on guitars, bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Don Lamond. Highlights include "In A Little Spanish Town," "Ja-Da," "My Melancholy Baby," "Exactly Like You" and even the pop tune "Sunny"; Braff's passion alone makes this a worthy release. ~ Scott Yanow minimize