A long-overdue collection of mid 50s work by arranger Marty Paich – a tremendous talent on the west coast scene, but one who's often heard in the context of other singers or instrumentalists! This set brings together 4 rare sessions done by Paich as a leader and pianist, many for the
GNP label – all a perfect example of Marty's rich talents, and his great way of putting together a track. In the cool scene of the 50s, Paich was a real standout – as he was always swinging and always jazzy – with plenty of room for the soloists to do their thing, and song structures that were never too modern or too in love with their own whimsicality. First up are 4 tracks by a septet with Conte Candoli, Bob Enevoldsen, and Bob Hardaway – titles that include "Tempo De Sylva", "Tomjean", and "Stranger In The Rain". These are followed by 8 more from an octet that includes Candoli, Enevoldsen, Harry Klee, and Bob Cooper – on the "Ballet Du Bongo (parts 1 & 2)", plus "The Dragon", "Paich-Ence", "Jacqueline", and "Tenors West". More octet material follows – 4 tracks by a group with Candoli, Enevoldsen, Klee, and Jimmy Giuffre – on versions of "Shorty George", "Line For Lyons", and "There's No You". And last are 4 more original tunes by Marty – played by a larger orchestra with Richie Kamuca and Bill Perkins on saxes – on titles that include "Lonely Time", "Four Blow Fours", and "Times Square".