A selection of work by one of the most enigmatic talents on the LA scene of the mid 50s – French Horn player
John Graas, an artist with a talent as unique as his horn! Unlike other jazz artists who used the French Horn,
Graas managed to keep things cool and light – working in a cool mode that really fit the tone of the scene at the time – but also bringing in some nice modern touches to his writing, as you'll hear in this set of mostly original numbers. The CD collects recordings from the year 1957 – a shifting group of players that includes
Graas on a few numbers, plus Jack Montrose, Bill Perkins, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, and Paul Moer – all coming together in varying configurations around
Graas' compositions. Titles include "Cluster", "Mood", "Cannon Friar", "Westlake Bounce", "Motif", "Cannon Ball", and "Mulliganesque".
(Out of print.)