Search - Herb Quartet Geller :: Gellers

Swinging Herb Geller

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 09/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Herb Geller is a modern alto saxophonist who's obviously been influenced by Charlie Parker, but he's not a carbon copy. He likes playing in the upper register, and can swing like crazy but also plays pretty and funky, too. This album, cut in 1955, features Herb with his piano-playing wife Lorraine. ARAPAHOE is actually a "Cherokee" and starts things off in a rousing fashion. Other up-tempo flag wavers include IF I WERE A BELL, THE ANSWER MAN, and I'VE GOT A FEELING I'M FALLING, the last mentioned with an exceptional arrangement. COME RAIN OR COME SHINE shows off Herb's long, sweeping lines - like a Bird in flight. Best of the ballads is THE HEATHER ON THE HILL, which is a catchy Lerner and Loewe tune, and a sexy BEWITCHED that includes the verse. Lorraine is featured alone or with just the rhythm section on two tracks, and on the solo selection (LOVE) reveals her affinity for Bud Powell. Red Mitchell and Mel Lewis make for a solid rhythm section; Red is particularly sharp. Herb Geller has always been a fascinating and exciting player, and this relatively early outing is a real gas."

This album is the famous THE GELLERS

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 08/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think not many of you may know that under this obscure cover lies one precious and rare West Coast Gem (if I remeber well it's from 1955). The title is THE GELLERS and I think you may recall the cover which is a monochromatic one in yellow, with Lorraine at the piano with Herb behind her reading a music sheet. The cover is very famous among the West Coast enthusiasts (like myself). This company, Membran/Original Long Play, is making things seriously. Even if these cds seems unbranded editions of poor material, not approved cut from the artists, on the contrary they publish the very original sessions of true Historical Jazz Masterpieces in their original complete forms and they print the original cover in big dimensions inside the booklet too. The booklet moreover reports the original liner notes in few languages. A serious thing in the end, that collectors should begin to appreciate. My compliments to this Membran company that as a plus, usually tend to have very fair prices. On this album I can say that it's truly wonderful, a splendid West Coast date. The material is very beautiful and the line up exceptional. First of all Herb. He is astounding! He swings like mad in the vein of the first Art Pepper with an easiness that will leave you speechless. A fabulous parkerian with a shining and very lovely sound! Impressive! At the piano sat his wife Lorraine Walsh in Geller that had a very boppish approach with Bud Powell as her first model. Red Mitchell and Mel Lewis closed this very excellent quartet. The material is the west coast bop that you always would like to hear. Shining, happy, fast, lovely, tender, brilliant, entertaining and fun-fun-fun! A must have for West Coast Jazz lovers!"