2 LPs ON 1 CD

The two enticingly swinging sessions brought together here find pianist Paul Smith in typically well-crafted form, with “The Big Men” a joyously engaging date in which he is heard performing solo or in a trio. Much skill, considerable feeling, and unceasingly ebullient energy transform this album into a thoroughly listenable program of modern jazz, throughout which his lines show strong classical influence and clear indication of his imposing compositional talent (Theme for Theda). The playing of the trio is crisp and knowing, and there are moments of brilliant musicianship by Smith with the fine support of Vinnegar and Levey, two swingers who keep the pulse vibrant.

PERSONNEL:

TRACKS [1-10] from the 12” album THE BIG MEN (Verve MG VS 6135)

PAUL SMITH, piano
LEROY VINNEGAR, bass
STAN LEVEY, drums
United Recorders, Hollywood, December 8 & 9, 1959.

TRACKS [11-21] from the 12” album THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Verve MG VS 6128)
PAUL SMITH, piano
BARNEY KESSEL, guitar
MORTY COBBM bass
IRV COTTLER, drums
United Recorders, Hollywood, January 8, 1960

TRACKS:

01. The Big Men
02. Theme for Theda
03. Suze Bluze
04. Yesterday’s
05. Tea for Two
06. ‘S Wonderful
07. It Never Entered My Mind
08. Cheek to Cheek
09. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf [Part I]
10. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf [Part II]
11. My Favorite Things
12. Clim Ev’ry Mountain
13. Maria
14. The Lonely Goatherd
15. How Can Love Survive
16. The Sound of Music
17. Edelweiss
18. So Long, Farewell
19. No Way To Stop It
20. An Ordinary Couple
21. Do-Re-Mi