Herbie Mann & Buddy Collette - Flute Fraternity

One of the happy by-products of the contemporary jazz scene has been the corporate union of identical instruments into small jazz groups. These ventures are the result of the musicians' experimental nature, and they have had wide popular acceptance as well as giving the performers an opportunity to realize fully the possibilities of their instruments. Jazz fans of varying intensity are thoroughly intrigued by the combination of two or more established jazz stars collaborating within the same framework.

The number of these sessions which have taken place after working hours is incalculable. The origin of such unions might be difficult to trace, but the impact on musician and listener alike is invariably one of stimulation and excitement. This MODE LP, featuring flutists Herbie Mann and Buddy Collette, adds still another chapter to the colorful history of fraternal instrumentation.

These two young men rank with half-a-dozen talented reed players who have lifted the flute from the confines of the classical orchestra to a place in the jazz spectrum. Independently, each man has advanced the stature of the instrument to a point where they have done LPs for various labels with everything from a trio to a full string orchestra. Musically, their lives are dedicated to enlarging the scope of the flute family because they believe that its piercing tone and subtle blending are deserving of full membership in the society of jazz instruments.

A collection of reed instruments in the hands of two men with immense jazz talents are the ingredients for this album. Herbie Mann and Buddy Collette, in ompany with a hand picked rhythm section, have molded these elements into a highly polished musical veneer. The fraternal spirit of jazz once again prevails in the interest of good music. *Joe Quinn (liner notes)*

A thoroly pleasant set that swings lightly, but never politely. Essentially a showcase for flute, practitioners Mann and Collette are heard on clarinet and tenor as well. Arrangements thereof by Pete Rugolo, Mann-Collette give the group and the album a light, airy identity. Could sell well, for set is both "musical" and quite accessible. Try "Nancy With The Laughing Face" or "Morning After" as demo-tracks. *Billboard, December 9, 1957*

Side 1

1 - Herbie's Buddy

(Herbie Mann)

2 - Perdido

(Drake, Lengsfelder, Tizol)

3 - Baubles, Bangles And Beads

(Forrest, Wright)

4 - Give A Little Whistle

(Harline, Washington)

Side 2

5 - Here's Pete

(Pete Rugolo)

6 - Theme From "Theme From"

(Herbie Mann)

7 - Nancy With The Laughing Face

(VanHeusen, Silvers)

8 - Morning After

(Chico Hamilton)

Herbie Mann (flute, alto flute, clarinet, tenor sax), Buddy Collette (flute, alto flute, clarinet, tenor sax, alto sax), Jimmy Rowles (piano, celesta), Buddy Clark (bass), Mel Lewis (drums).

Recorded in Hollywood, California, July 1957.