CHARLIE VENTURA – 1949 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1215 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The height of tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura's Bop for the People band is covered in this CD. In April 1949 his band consisted of trumpeter Conte Candoli, trombonist Benny Green, Boots Mussulli on alto and baritone, a rhythm section, and vocals from Jackie Cain and pianist Roy Kral. In addition to two songs from a studio session (including the rather eccentric "Barney Google"), there are eight numbers from the group's notable Pasadena concert of May 9, 1949. The additional titles later released by GNP/Crescendo are not included. This CD concludes with sessions from August and September, after Cain and Kral had departed (and gotten married). Teddy Kaye and (a little later) Dave McKenna are on piano, with vocals taken by Betty Bennett, Beverly Brooks, Jimmy Vanelli, and bandmembers. The boppish music is at times almost a self-parody (particularly the nuttier vocals), but the solos are of high quality, particularly those of Candoli. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

CHARLIE VENTURA – 1949-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1309 (2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Most of the music on this CD from tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura was formerly scarce. That is certainly true of his RCA recordings that feature his short-lived big band performing seven Duke Ellington compositions. While some of the solos are conventional, the arrangements of George Williams and particularly George Russell are certainly unusual in spots, quite impressionistic. In 1950 Ventura had another big band that also did not last. Its seven selections (five of which were previously unreleased) often utilize haunting vocals by the Honeydreamers and/or Lucy Reed, including "You've Got a Date With the Blues" and "Lonesome Darling." After that orchestra broke up, Ventura returned to playing with small groups. The final two dates on this CD were recorded for Norman Granz's Clef label; a quintet outing with trumpeter Conte Candoli that features boppish versions of six swing standards, and a quartet set with vocals from Betty Bennett, bassist Chubby Jackson, and the Blentones. Although not quite essential, this collection from Classics is valuable in making former rarities available. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

BETTY BENNETT - Nobody Else But Me (1956-2007) Atlantic 60th / Mp3

Nobody Else But Me illuminates the dark corners of romance with rare depth and maturity -- Betty Bennett's sultry, knowing vocals further establish the palpable feeling that this is a record for adults. Shorty Rogers and André Previn share arranger duties, and both operate in a framework emphasizing nuance and restraint, enabling Bennett to articulate her tales of love and loss without embellishment or redundancy. Equal parts stylist and storyteller, she fully inhabits relatively little-known songs like "This Is the Moment" and "Treat Me Rough." by Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1    Nobody Else But Me 3:38
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
2    You're Driving Me Crazy 2:54
Walter Donaldson
3    My Man's Gone Now 3:27
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
4    Island In The West Indies 2:58
Vernon Duke / Ira Gershwin
5    The Next Time I Care 3:14
Bronislaw Kaper / John Latouche
6    Tomorrow Mountain 3:29
Duke Ellington / John Latouche
7    Treat Me Rough 2:49
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
8    Mountain Greenery 2:33
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9    This Is The Moment 3:20
Frederick Hollander / Leo Robin
10    You Took Advantage Of Me 2:50
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
11    Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Martin / Blane
12    Sidewalks Of Cuba 2:31
Irving Mills / Ben Oakland / Mitchell Parish
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Harry Klee
Bass – Ralph Pena
Bass, Arranged By – Jimmy Giuffre
Drums – Irv Cottler
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano, Arranged By – André Previn
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper
Trombone – Frank Rosolino
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranged By – Shorty Rogers
Vocals – Betty Bennett