Jack Sheldon

It is strange that Complete College Goes to Jazz has been reissued under Jack Sheldon's name, for the trumpeter is only on the three-part "Jazz Chaconne No. 1," and this disc is really part of a series featuring the French horn and writing of John Graas. The first 11 selections on this reissue have the Westlake College Quartet playing Graas' arrangements. Of the five musicians in the 1956 quintet, pianist Dick Grove is best known, becoming in future years a major educator. The front line of tenor and valve-trombone works quite well on the advanced cool jazz date. Graas is present on the remainder of the selections, which include his three-part "Jazz Chaconne No. 1" (with Sheldon and altoist Art Pepper) and eight other selections heading his own all-star septet with Bud Shank, Bob Cooper and Shorty Rogers. The music is thought-provoking, swinging at a generally low volume, and pushing the boundaries of jazz of the period. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide