Liberty Records • Jazz in Hollywood Series (III)

Herbie Harper

Featuring Bud Shank And Bob Gordon

✤Liberty LJH 6003✤

Hollywood, with its activity in the various fields of entertainment, has, for many years, attracted outstanding musisians of every category. Jazz men, in addition to many of our foremost concert artists, symphonic conductors and composers, make their homes in Hollywood. However, it is the development of local musical talents such as Bud 

Shank and Bob Gordon of which the film city can be most proud. Their emergence as full-fledged stars recalls the fact... Hollywood has been the birthplace of many a musical luminary. LIBERTY'S "JAZZ IN HOLLYWOOD" SERIES, in presenting Herbie Harper, Bud Shank and Bob Gordon, is adding a link in the never-ending chain of fine recorded jazz for which Hollywood is known.

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On these sides, Herbie Harper, Bud Shank and Bob Gordon were in the company of many of Hollywood's (or the nation, for that matter) finest musical talent... the sparkling piano work of Jimmy Rowles on the Gordon sides, the inventive Marty Paich, who played and arranged the Shank sides, the splendid rhythmic backing of Harry Babasin on bass, and the strong drumming of Roy Harte. The combined creative effort of these artists will provide the listener with a representative musical glimpse of JAZZ IN HOLLYWOOD.  *Harry Babasin (liner notes)*

Trombonist Herbie Harper was one of the best underground talents on the LA cool jazz scene of the 50s — and although he cut albums like this, full of tight playing and imagination, he never really got the due that he deserved. He's heard here in two groupings — one with Bud Shank on tenor and baritone, the other with Bob Gordon on baritone. All the tracks are short and ensemble-heavy, with backing by a piano trio that features either Marty Paich or Jimmy Rowles. Titles include "The Happy Clown", "Five Brothers", "Jeepers Leapers", "Summertime", "Herbstone", and "New York City Ghost". *Dusty Groove, Inc.*

Side 1

1 - Now Playing

(Neal Hefti)

2 - The New York City Ghost

(Victor Young, Peggy Lee)

3 - The Happy Clown

(Marty Paich)

4 - Dinah

(Lewis, Young, Akst)

5 - Sanguine

(Marty Paich)

Side 2

6 - Five Brothers

(Gerry Mulligan)

7 - Summertime

(Gershwin)

8 - Herbstone

(Harper)

9 - Jive At Five

(Harry Edison, Count Basie)

10 - Jeepers Leapers

(McDougal)

Herbie Harper (trombone), with:

Bud Shank (tenor sax, baritone sax), Harry Babasin (bass), 

Marty Paich (piano), Roy Harte (drums) [#1 to #5].

Bob Gordon (baritone sax), Harry Babasin (bass),

Jimmy Rowles (piano), Roy Harte (drums) [#6 to #10].

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, 

February 27 (#4, #6, #7, #8,#9, #10) and September 16 (#1, #2, #3, #5), 1954

Liberty Records • Jazz in Hollywood Series (II)

Dom Frontiere Sextet

Dom Frontiere And His El Dorado

✤Liberty LJH 6002✤

Dominic Frontiere (1931-2017) had barely turned four when he began learning the basic accordion technique. Having mastered his instrument through his classical studies, Dom became interested in modern music. In 1950, he moved to Hollywood, where he lost no time in establishing himself, not only as the leading accordionist in the movie industry but as a composer and arranger as well. He also appeared playing in several films, but 1955 brought him something special.

In March, Dom was signed to a term recording contract with Liberty Records, which led to his first album recording as a leader in the summer, conducting a sextet made up of renowned fellow Hollywood studio musicians. The album came out in the fall with the title Dom Frontiere and his El Dorado.

 His skill with the accordion was indisputable. "In the hands of a master [the accordion becomes] much more than a polka party instrument", Down Beat magazine admitted.

Starting in 1960 and over twenty years, the scores he penned for popular TV series and films, garnered him awards and international recognition as the firstrate composer he was.

This young instrumentalist and arranger revealed his talent and personal approach to the world, by skillfully blending the harmonies of classical music with the rhythm and improvisation of jazz. Dominic Frontiere and his stimulating musical confreres bring us a varied repertoire of well known melodies and originals in their own spirited, happy and swinging way. *Jordi Pujol*

When LIBERTY gave me the test pressing of this album I took it to the radio station with me and played it for engineers, announcers, salesmen, writers, maintenance men and anyone who might be wandering through the halls. I took it home and played it for my wife. I asked my best friend, a fellow jazz enthusiast, to come over and hear it. We played it along with recordings of other accordionists... we turned it up and listened to every note for musicianship, balance, fidelity... we played it in the background 

for atmosphere effect. After I felt I had thoroughly "tested" this finished product I recalled Dom’s words that "an accordionist is only as good as his instrument". It might be interesting to note that six different accordions were tested before a decision was made as to which produced the best sound. The instrument that won out was the custom-made Gretsch "El Dorado" the prototype which is now in full scale production.

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No matter how you play this album — softly in the background while having dinner, or volume wide open on a hi-fi set — it's great! If you like classical music you'll be impressed with the technique and charmed by the humor; if you're a "pop" fan you'll find this as wonderful for dancing as it is for what might be called "putting on a good stack of records"; and if you're a jazz enthusiast... you'll FLIP! *Jack Wagner (liner notes)*

Side 1

1 - Mr. B

(Bach, Frontiere)

2 - Poinciana

(Simon)

3 - Leap For Joy

(Frontiere)

4 - September In The Rain

(Warren, Dubin)

5 - Perpetual Motion

(Paganini)

6 - Tenderly

(Gross, Lawrence)

Side 2

7 - Nola

(Arnt)

8 - Breeze And I

(Lecuona, Stillman)

9 - I'll Be Seeing You

(Fain, Kahal)

10 - Where's The Melody

(A Variation Of 24th Caprice By Paganini)

(Paganini, Frontiere)

11 - Beguine For Bette

(Frontiere)

12 - My Heart Stood Still

(Rodgers, Hart)

Dom Frontiere (accordion), Abe Most (clarinet), Bill Ulyate (bass clarinet),

Jack Marshall (guitar), Mike Rubin (bass), Nick Fatool (drums).

Recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, California, between July and August, 1955

Liberty Records • Jazz in Hollywood Series (I)

Jazz In Hollywood

✤Liberty LJH 6001✤

This is the first in an unlimited series of Jaz recordings to be released by LIBERTY. The artists featured in this album are not new-comers. These are the established, schooled and respected musicians of the West Coast. They are musicians in the true sense of the word. Unlike the "Tooters" who play and record in the name of Jazz, many of the artists in this album are also actively engaged in other phases of music. 

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There are many facets to this gem called "JAZZ"; and I’m sure you'll feel as I do that some of the choicest are evident here. The rare cello work of Harry Babasin, the sophisticated improvisations of Jimmy Rowles, the incredible tempo achieved by Lou Levy and Buddy Wise, Dom Frontiere’s flawless accordion technique, the drive and imagination displayed by Abe Most on the clarinet, the precision of the Hollywood Saxophone Quartet and the familiar earthy sounds expressed by Herbie Harper, Bob Gordon, Bud Shank, Virgil Gonsalves and Bob Enevoldsen.

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As a disc jockey and jazz enthusiast who really loves music, I am very impressed with the fine taste displayed in the presentation of this album. And this is just the beginning. These and other top jazz artists will be presented in LIBERTY albums of their own in the very near future.

*Jack Wagner (liner notes)*

Liberty scoops up a wide variety of West Coast jazz musicians and presents them under the title "Jazz In Hollywood". We hear samplings of the talents of Herbie Harper, Bud Shank, Jimmy Rowles, Virgil Gonsalves, Harry Babasin, Lou Levy, Dom Frontiere, Abe Most, Bob Enevoldsen, Bob Gordon, Buddy Wise, and the Hollywood Saxphone Quartet. Space does not allow comments on each artista involved. As an over-all description, it is an interesting collection of assorted talents playing easy to listen to west coast jazz. Improvisations in most cases stick close to the Melody line. Jazz fans should find it strong interest. *Billboard, September 24, 1955*

Side 1

1 - Sanguine

(Paich)

Herbie Harper (trombone), Bud Shank (alto, tenor and baritone saes),

Marty Paich (piano), Harry Babasin(bass), Roy Harte (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, September 16, 1954

2 - There Will Never Be Another You

(Gordon, Warren)

Hollywood Saxophone Quartet:

Russ Cheever (soprano sax), Jack Dumont (alto sax), Morrie Crawford (tenor sax),

Bill Ulyate (baritone sax), Mike Rubin (bass), Dick Cornell (drums).

Recorded at Capitol Studios,  September 1955

3 - Serenade In Blue

(Gordon, Warren)

Jimmy Rowles (piano), Red Mitchell (bass), Art Mardigan (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, December 13, 1954

4 - Yesterdays

(Kern, Harbach)

Virgil Gonsalves (baritone sax), Bob Enevoldsen (valve trombone), Buddy Wise (tenor sax),

Lou Levy (piano), Harry Babasin (bass), Larry Bunker (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, September 29, 1954

5 - The Girl Friend

(Rodgers, Hart)

Harry Babasin (bass, cello), Larry Bunker (vibes),

Jimmy Rowles (piano), Bob Enevoldsen (bass), Roy Harte (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, September 23, 1955

(other source gives April 18, 1954)

6 - Bloo Denim

(Levy)

Lou Levy (piano), Harry Babasin (bass), Larry Bunker (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, August 29, 1954

Side 2

7 - Perpetual Motion

(Paganini)

Dom Frontiere (accordion), Abe Most (clarinet), Bill Ulyate (bass clarinet),

Jack Marshall (guitar), Mike Rubin (bass), Nick Fatool (drums).

Recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, California, summer 1955

8 - Bob White

(Mercer, Hanighen)

9 - Danza Do Brazil

(Paich)

Bob Enevoldsen (tenor sax [#8], valve trombone [#9]), Marty Paich (piano),

Howard Roberts (guitar), Harry Babasin (bass), Don Heath (drums), Roy Harte (bongos [#9]).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, summer 1954

10 - Bab-O-Ling

(Babasin)

Harry Babasin (bass, cello), Larry Bunker (vibes),

Jimmy Rowles (piano), Bob Enevoldsen (bass), Roy Harte (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, September 23, 1954

(other source gives April 18, 1954)

11 - Jive At Five

(Edison)

Herbie Harper (trombone), Bob Gordon (baritone sax),

Jimmy Rowles (piano), Harry Babasin (bass), Roy Harte (drums).

Recorded at Gold Star Studios, Hollywood, California, February 27, 1954  

(other source gives Recorded at United Western Recorders, February 27, 1954)

12 - Love Me Or Leave Me

(Kahn, Donaldson)

Virgil Gonsalves (baritone sax), Buddy Wise (tenor sax), Bob Enevoldsen (valve trombone),

Lou Levy (piano), Harry Babasin (bass), Larry Bunker (drums).

Recorded at United Western Recorders, Los Angeles, California, September 29, 1954