Coop! The Music of Bob Cooper

• Artist: Bob Cooper
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1958
• Total Time: 44:45
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper's only Contemporary album (reissued on CD in the Original Jazz Classics series) is a near-classic and one of his finest recordings. Cooper, along with trombonist Frank Rosolino, vibraphonist Victor Feldman, pianist Lou Levy, bassist Max Bennett, and drummer Mel Lewis, performs colorful versions of five standards (best are "Confirmation," "Easy Living," and "Somebody Loves Me") that show off his attractive tone and ability to swing at any tempo. Half of the release consists of his "Jazz Theme and Four Variations," a very interesting work that holds together quite well throughout 23-and-a-half minutes and five movements. Three trumpeters (including Conte Candoli) and one trombone are added to make the ensembles richer. This set is an underrated gem. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Jazz Theme & Four Variations: Sunday Mood (Main Theme)		Bob Cooper	(4:04)
Jazz Theme & Four Variations: A Blue Period		Bob Cooper	(4:09)
Jazz Theme & Four Variations: Happy Changes		Bob Cooper	(4:03)
Jazz Theme & Four Variations: Night Stroll		Bob Cooper	(6:38)
Jazz Theme & Four Variations: Saturday Dance		Bob Cooper	(4:42)
Confirmation	Charlie Parker	Bob Cooper	(4:18)
Easy Living		Bob Cooper	(4:19)
Frankie and Johnny	Traditional	Bob Cooper	(5:50)
Day Dream	Duke Ellington, John Latouche, Billy Strayhorn	Bob Cooper	(3:25)
Somebody Loves Me	George Gershwin, Buddy DeSylva, Ballard MacDonald	Bob Cooper	(3:19)

Credits

Nat Hentoff (Liner Notes), Johnny Halliburton (?), Lou Levy (Piano), Lester Koenig (Producer), Bob Cooper (Sax (Tenor)), Bob Cooper (Arranger), Joe Tarantino (Mastering), Robert Guidi (Artwork), Johnny Halliburton (Trombone), Victor Feldman (?), Victor Feldman (Vibraphone), Pete Candoli (?), Max Bennett (?), Roy DuNann (Engineer), Lou Levy (?), Mel Lewis (Drums), Don Fagerquist (Trumpet), Pete Candoli (Trumpet), Peter James Samerjan (Photography), Frank Rosolino (Trombone), Max Bennett (Bass), Conte Candoli (Trumpet), Don Fagerquist (?)