An incredible record from
Shelly Manne – one of his only dates recorded at The
Manne Hole, even though it was his own club – and a killer live recording that was issued in a rare 2LP format for the time! The style here is similar to
Manne's excellent recordings at the Blackhawk – open-ended, stretched out, and more freely expressive hardbop than on his 50s sides – played by a group that features plenty of excellent tenor from the great Richie Kamuca, plus trumpet from Conte Cantoli, piano from
Russ Freeman, bass from Chuck Berghofer, and drums from
Manne himself. As with the Blackhawk date, many of the tunes are familiar, but open up mostly as longer solo vehicles – completely transformed by the efforts of the group and their freewheeling lines. Titles on this second volume include "What's New", "A Gem From Tiffany", "On Green Dolphin Street", and "If I Were A Bell".
(Early 90s OJC pressing.)