SHELLY MANNE & HIS FRIENDS
My Fair Lady (Contemporary)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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In 1956, Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady was in it's opening run on Broadway and the original cast album rode the top of the pop charts for 15 weeks when drummer Shelly Mann and His Friends (bassist Leroy Vinnegar and pianist Andre Previn) sat down to make one of the masterpieces of musical theater one of the classics of modern jazz.

It was no surprise to find Vinnegar next to Manne in the lineup. He was a repeating figure in the revolving lineups of Shelly Manne & His Men, and the two were the definitive West Coast rhythm section. Previn was a bit of a revelation for some jazz fans, though. While he was an accomplished jazz pianist, he was better known for his work as the composer of film scores (he had twenty five to his credit by the time this album was recorded). This was his highest profile jazz appearance to date, and it firmly established him as one of the best in the field.

While the trio was thoroughly respectful of the original score on every cut, there are impressive improvisations on each melody. The results inspired a wave of jazz versions of film and stage scores, but while many were excellent, this one has never been surpassed.

This classic album receives the treatment it deserves on this limited edition release, recorded with JVC's 20-Bit K2 Super Coding system which provides remarkable fidelity. Every fan of West Coast jazz should own this album, and this is the release they should own.

Track List:

Get Me To The Church On Time * On The Street Where You Live * I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face * Wouldn't It Be Loverly * Ascot Gavotte * Show Me * With A Little Bit Of Luck * I Could Have Danced All Night

© 2001 - Shaun Dale