Red Norvo's dragged his vibes out into a field of wildflowers – and while we hate to think what that's done to the sound of his instrument (not to mention his hayfever), we can definitely say that the album's a groovy treat from the decade when
Red was turning out some of his finest music ever! The "Music To Listen To" title is a nod towards some of the mood music sets of the time – but that quality is here in title only, as the album's definitely an all-jazz affair – one that expands out the original Norvo trio sound to sextet formation – getting some wonderful sounds from Buddy Collette on flute, Bill Smith on clarinet, Barney Kessell on guitar,
Red Mitchell on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums – all players who can hit the fresh, modern tones that Norvo's known for, but who also help things swing nicely overall. The flute/
clarinet mix is especially sweet – a fluttering, bird-like sort of reed effect – and titles include "Divertimento", "
Red Sails", "Poeme", "Rubricity", and "The
Red Broom".