Pete Jolly

This CD contains selections taken from pianist Pete Jolly's three mid-'60s LPs for Ava. Although it would have been preferable to have all of the music complete, this is a fine all-round sampler. The talented bop-based pianist is joined by bassist Chuck Berghofer, guitarist Howard Roberts, either Larry Bunker or Nick Martinis on drums and, on seven of the 16 selections, a string orchestra. All but five of the performances are under 3 1/2 minutes and, although those are enjoyable enough, it is Jolly's longer explorations ("Falling in Love with Love," "Alone Together," "No Other Love," "Can't We Be Friends" and "I'm Beginning to See the Light") that are most memorable. This CD serves as a good introduction to Pete Jolly's fine playing. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide