Search - Sal Salvador :: Sal Salvador Quintet & Quartet

Though this is a Blue Note reissue of two EPs, out on their Connoisseur 10-inch Series, only one of the two was originally released on that label. The first session, from 1953, is a group of quintets with little-known tenorman Frank Sokolow--one-time Chubby Jackson sideman with a pronounced swing inclination--and a couple of quartets without him. It emphasizes the crystal-toned, agreeable guitar work of ex-Stan Kenton Orchestra member Salvador, who's still active today, playing on six familiar standards. The other tracks, recorded the following year, appeared on Capitol as part of the Kenton Presents series. Along with a few retooled standards, these include some less-usual compositions by West Coast mainstays Manny Albam and Bill Holman, as well as Salvador's quite cool "Round Trip." Eddie Costa doubles on piano and vibes but stays out of the way enough to keep from making a murk of the guitar. --John Corbett