• Artist: Dave Pell
• Rating:
• Style: Big Band

Review

The Dave Pell Octet was one of the definitive cool jazz groups of the 1950s. Tenor saxophonist Pell played with Les Brown's big band during 1948-56 and started to record with an octet drawn from the orchestra in 1953. His first project was a set of a dozen Irving Berlin tunes, and the results are quite memorable. The swinging and subtle ensembles, concise and emotionally restrained solos, and excellent musicianship would be trademarks of the band. Consisting of Pell; trumpeter Don Fagerquist; trombonist Ray Sims; Ronny Lang on baritone, alto, and flute; pianist Jeff Clarkson; guitarist Tony Rizzi; bassist Rolly Bundock; and drummer Jack Sperling, the octet plays arrangements by Shorty Rogers, Jerry Fielding, and Wes Hensel. Among the highlights are "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket," "Russian Lullaby," "They Say It's Wonderful," and "This Year's Kisses." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	iTunes	Composers	Performers	Time
I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:36)
Change Partners	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(2:39)
Love and the Weather	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:19)
Russian Lullaby	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(2:54)
Kate	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:07)
Say It with Music		Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(2:15)
I Used to Be Color Blind	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:09)
Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:10)
Better Luck Next Time		Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:23)
They Say It's Wonderful	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:19)
This Year's Kisses	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:13)
He Ain't Got Rhythm	...	Irving Berlin	Dave Pell Octet	(3:18)

Credits

Dave Pell (Saxophone), Dave Pell (Sax (Tenor)), Dave Pell (Main Performer), Ronnie Lang (Flute), Ronnie Lang (Sax (Alto)), Ronnie Lang (Sax (Baritone)), Jerry Fielding (Arranger), Tony Rizzi (Guitar), Shorty Rogers (Arranger), Roland Bundock (Bass), Don Fagerquist (Trumpet), Ray Sims (Trombone), Jack Sperling (Drums), Wes Hensel (Arranger), Jeff Clarkson (Piano)