SHELLY MANNE & HIS FRIENDS - Modern Jazz Performances of Songs from Li'l Abner (1957-2003) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In a follow-up to their hit recording of music from My Fair Lady, Shelly Manne and his Friends (a trio with pianist André Previn, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and the drummer/leader) recorded nine songs from the play Li'l Abner. Although Johnny Mercer and Gene DePaul wrote the score, none of the songs caught on except for the ballad "Namely You," and this LP (whose music has not been reissued yet on CD) was not a best-seller. The musicians are in fine form but the melodies are not too memorable (when was the last time anyone played "If I Had My Druthers" or "Progress Is the Root of All Evil"?). Actually the main reason to search for this album is for the hilarious photo on the cover. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Jubilation T. Cornpone 3:13
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
2 The Country's in the Very Best of Hands 4:39
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
3 If I Had My Druthers 2:46
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
4 Unnecessary Town 5:04
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
5 Matrimonial Stomp 4:35
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
6 Progress Is the Root of All Evil 3:34
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
7 Oh, Happy Day 4:28
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer / E. F. Rimbault
8 Namely You 5:49
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
9 Past My Prime 7:25
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
Credits:
Bass – Leroy Vinnegar
Drums – Shelly Manne
Piano – André Previn