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Title: Not the Best of the West
Review: I bought this disc because of the personnel - Shank, Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Rowles, Levy and Larry Bunker. All of whom I have enjoyed immensely on other West Coast jazz sessions. But this recording - essentially two LPs, one by Shank with Rogers in tow and one by Levy's trio - is what I would call a lesser session. It lacks any kind of cohesion on either date. I expected those tight swinging clever charts with cool harmonies and a hint of Basie that these guys were so famous for. But not on this one. These are some recordings seeking an identity, seeking an audience and most of all, they don't swing. Pass on this one unless you're trying to complete your West Coast collection.
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