I took a chance on this one. About 15 or so years ago, I had to pad out an order for some BMG Spain import titles. Along with some assorted other west coast jazz CDs, I grabbed this one. I was not let down at all: this album features the cream of the crop of west coast jazz musicians! The Candoli brothers, Plas Johnson, Bud Shank, Frank Rosolino, Jimmy Rowles, Shelly Manne, Monty Budwig, Mel Lewis, Red Norvo…and plenty of other familiar names. The album was recorded in Hollywood on three dates in late 1958, and features the arrangements of Jimmy Rowles on eight of the tracks, with Shorty Rogers contributing the remaining four.

What this album is NOT: a soundtrack album. If the name “Stars Of Jazz” sounds familiar, Bobby Troup hosted a television series called “The Stars of Jazz” back in the late 50s. While there were a great many performances from that series (some of which are now available on DVD), this album is a related but different project: a showcase for Bobby Troup’s dusky vocals set against a swinging west coast big band. The song selection is varied: it ranges between popular standard songs such as “Sent For You Yesterday”, “Oh! You Crazy Moon” and “I’m Through With Love” and lesser known tunes. Shorty’s contributions include clever swinging arrangements for “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and, believe it or not, “Tiptoe Thru The Tulips With Me” (before it was even a glimmer in Tiny Tim’s eye).

The band’s performance is top notch. I also have a feeling that given the number of musicians, the recordings may have involved either a rotating lineup of musicians in each band, or two different (but still “all-star”) big bands. The Shorty Rogers tracks sound like something right off of one of his Giants albums. It is all so cohesive, though, that it serves to showcase the great ensemble work these musicians were all capable of. As for Troup’s performance: he is no vocalist that is going to turn heads with dazzling technique. But what he lacks in ultimate polish and technique, he makes up for with an easygoing attitude and enough jazz chops to demonstrate that he “speaks the language” of jazz. And surprisingly, all piano duties are handled by Jimmmy Rowles–Troup sits out the piano in favor of vocals on this project.

Quite enjoyable, and quite recommended! Especially if you are a fan of west coast jazz or any of the fine musicians who were a part of that 50s/60s scene.