The swinging band saxophonist Larry Elgart assembled in 1959 for a residency at New York’s famed Roosevelt Hotel was a polished, disciplined and jazz-oriented unit with a book by some of the best composer-arrangers around. They included the outstanding tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, who contributed four originals; trombonist Wayne Andre, who was responsible for the Miles Davis-ish atmosphere of Walkin’, a tune beloved of jazz soloists; tenor saxophonist John Murtaugh of the band’s reed section, who devised several of his own arrangements; and Roger Middleton, who arranged Mountain Greenery. The results, gathered here, show what a thoroughly musical, genuinely moving experience was embodied in the sound of that group. Small wonder big band fans found it very much to their liking.
This compilation also includes Elgart’s adaptation of the Broadway show “Saratoga” to his crisp, definite style. Elgart’s highly individual approach added to his swinging beat, made of this Arlen-Mercer score a lavish musical effort. In his response to the stimulating challenge of the show he chose the tunes he felt were best for the band, and assigned the arrangements to John Murtaugh and Ernie Wilkins, all brightened by some brief but strong, swinging solos.
Overall, thanks to Elgart’s mature direction, the band’s sound was as tasteful as its book. As leader and soprano sax soloist, he fronted his sixteen-piece orchestra effectively, catering to dancers but always with plenty of jazz flavor to boot.
Tracklist
Total time: 61:32 min.
01. Let My People Swing (Al Cohn) 2:10
02. Yearning (Just for You) (David-Burke) 2:05
03. You Should Have Told Me (Evans-Bellin-Barnes) 1:59
04. I Cried for You (Freed-Arnheim-Lyman) 2:27
05. Honeysuckle Rose (Waller-Razaf) 2:17
06. If Love Is Good to Me (Evans-Spielman) 2:18
07. Mountain Greenery (Rodgers-Hart) 2:06
08. Cool-Aid (Al Cohn) 2:20
09. Sleepy Time Gal (Alden-Egan-Lorenzo-Whiting) 2:21
10. Lagonda (John Murtaugh) 2:12
11. April (Al Cohn) 2:12
12. Wabash Blues (Ringle-Meinken) 2:17
13. Blue Thursday (Al Cohn) 2:29
14. Walkin’ (Dick Carpenter) 4:10
15. Duet—A Game of Poker · Love Held Lightly (Arlen-Mercer) 2:09
16. One Step—Two Step (Arlen-Mercer) 1:43
17. The Man in My Life (Arlen-Mercer) 2:12
18. The Cure (Arlen-Mercer) 2:16
19. Goose Never Be a Peacock (Arlen-Mercer) 3:30
20. Saratoga (Arlen-Mercer) 2:22
21. Have You Heard (Gossip Song) (Arlen-Mercer) 2:51
22. The Parks of Paris (Arlen-Mercer) 2:23
23. A Game of Poker (Arlen-Mercer) 1:50
24. You for Me (Arlen-Mercer) 2:04
25. Love Held Lightly (Arlen-Mercer) 2:09
26. Petticoat High (Arlen-Mercer) 2:03
Album details
Sources:
Tracks #1-14, from the album “New Sounds at the Roosevelt” (RCA Victor LSP-2045)
Tracks #15-26, from the album “Music from the Broadway Hit Production Saratoga”
(RCA Victor LPM-2166)
New Sounds at The Roosevelt
Arrangements by Al Cohn (#1,8,11,13), John Murtaugh (#2-6,9,10,12), Wayne Andre (#14), Roger Middleton (#7).
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City, January and April 1959
Music from the Broadway Hit Production Saratoga
Arrangements by Ernie Wilkins & John Murtaugh.
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City, December 1959
Recordings engineers: Ernest Oelrich & Bob Simpson
Liner notes: Jordi Pujol, Hugh M. Hefner & Nat Hentoff
Original recordings produced by Lee Schapiro
Produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol
Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
