Lennie Niehaus Volume 4

[Tom 1960]

I've done a search on the Lennie Niehaus threads here and while I see his other Contemporary sessions mentioned for possible recommendations, this particular session isn't mentioned as often. Perhaps not as highly regarded? FWIW, the AMG website gives this a 5 star rating and rates it as a top pick. I've already purchased the first 2 volumes which should arrive in the mail shortly. I have a real good feeling I'll want to purchase the other volumes as well. I've seen this session selling for dirt cheap which is another reason I'm asking for your input. Again, your input is appreciated.

Edited October 4, 2008 by Tom 1960

[Big Beat Steve]

Though I consider myself a fan of West Coast jazz, I've never really cared much about strings (and woodwinds, for that matter) in WCJ. I've therefore contented myself with the first three "Volumes" of the Lennie Niehaus albums on Contemporary.

I may be wrong, though, in this case. The Down Beat reviewer in 1956 called Vol. 4 "easily the best yet" by Niehaus and gave it 4 stars. Not that this would be definite proof but it should give a rough idea. As for the tracks with strings, he says Niehaus' "sound blends well with the strings ... although the violas and cello still do not provide the free-flowing grace one would like to hear form strings in jazz".

Ted Gioia and Robert Gordon - in their books on West Coast jazz - deal with Lennie Niehaus only in passing, and Alain Tercinet in HIS book on WCJ, considers Vol. 5 ("The Sextet" ) to be the top achievement among his records of that period, BTW.

[gnhrtg]

I do not regret buying this (at full retail price). If it's the wash/schmaltz factor you fear, have none. The strings are well integrated and arranged such that they take little - if that - away from the swing/momentum. This is based on what I remember from my most recent spin some months back so there might still be a track or two you might end up skipping but I would recommend this if you enjoy Niehaus' playing.

Edited October 4, 2008 by gnhrtg

[BruceH]

There's STRINGS on that frigging thing?? Gross!

Seriously, my favorite is volume 1, "The Quintets"---lotsa swing. Nice cover too.

[BillF]

I have Vols 3 and 5 and Zounds. Members with scruples about piracy won't be pleased to hear I also have a 20-track Giants of Jazz CD called Lennie Niehaus Quintet & Octet + Stan Kenton and his Orchestra. At £5 in 1997 (= v. cheap), I couldn't resist!

Edited October 4, 2008 by BillF

[Joe]

FWIW, I prefer the QUINTETS AND STRINGS date to the Octet recordings (ZOUNDS is the best of the lot, IMO)... the instrumentation really compliments Niehaus' often meticulous arrangements. Vol. 4 is buttoned up rather than buttoned down, if you know what I mean.

Then again, I'm a big fan of Hal McKusick's IN A TWENTIETH CENTURY DRAWING ROOM and Konitz's AN IMAGE, so, clearly, I'm not entirely objective when it comes to "standard jazz combo featuring frosty / cerebral lead alto plus string quartet / section" dates.

[Chuck Nessa]

Not really a string section - 3 violas and a cello. Fine disc.

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

lennie niehaus is the shizz-nit!