Shorty Rogers

Volume three in the Giant Steps label's Shorty Rogers series is a two-fer that can be easily divided into three. The first 16 selections feature Shorty Rogers & His Giants, a quintet that matches the leader's cool-toned trumpet with the quiet playing of Jimmy Giuffre, who is heard on clarinet, tenor and baritone. The music is subtle, swinging and delightful. The second part of this reissue has the soundtrack from the Frank Sinatra drug addiction film The Man with the Golden Arm. Even with some of the pieces being little more than sketches, the music holds up apart from the film, featuring a big band filled with the who's who of West Coast Jazz plus some symphony musicians. The final section is The Voodoo Suite, a unique work that matches Pérez Prado and his band with Rogers' usual jazz players. There is a generous amount of music included on this set, giving listeners an overview as to Shorty Rogers' activities during 1954-1955. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide