The Dave Pell Octet w/ Lucy Ann Polk - Burke and Van Heusen (CD)

All Music Guide

The Dave Pell Octet was one of the great West Coast jazz-style cool combos of the 1950s. This CD reissues the band's two Johnny Burke/Jimmy Van Heusen albums. Lucy Ann Polk sings eight of the 16 selections, and she is a major asset, displaying a relaxed, straightforward, basic, and winning approach, warmly uplifting each song. The arrangements are by Shorty Rogers, Wes Hensel, Bill Holman, Bob Enevoldsen, Jack Montrose, Med Flory, Jim Emerson, and Buddy Bregman. The octet (comprised of trumpeter Don Fagerquist; trombonist Ray Sims; Ronny Lang on baritone, alto and flute; tenor saxophonist Dave Pell; pianist Claude Williamson; guitarist Tony Rizzi; bassist Rolly Bundock, and drummer Jack Sperling) sounds at its best on "But Beautiful," "Suddenly It's Spring," "It's Always You," "Aren't You Glad You're You," "It Could Happen to You," and "Imagination." Timeless music.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide