Interesting .... to me Leviev's stint with Art Pepper was a major factor to raise the performances to another level .... so different strokes I believe ....
I believe we are describing - from different ankles - very similar impressions .... as mentioned I`ve tried to make it nearer to my heart, but it simply didn`t work (at least that way) ....
Although with my faves Jimmy Woode + Totie Heath the Gulda platter left me - even after numerous listens - somehow cold .... Gulda seems being stuck in no man's land between classical and jazz- oriented approach .... btw the Brackeen Trio is superb ....