Bob Dorough Quartet
Oliver! An Excursion Through Songs From The Hit Show
Classic Jazz Records 18
www.musicminusone.com
By George W. Harris

Here’s an obscurity from 1963 that just got reissued from Music Minus One. Pianist Bob Dorough lays aside his singing and songwriting skills on this disc, and along with a core band of Al Schackman/g, Ben Tucker or George Duvivier/b and either Bobby Thomas or Paul Motian/d, he puts together some highly original and clever arrangements of the then-popular stage sensation. The music comes of surprisingly well, with a mix between chamber and small group swing carrying the day on “Food, Glorious Food” and “Pick A Pocket Or Two.” Clark Terry/tp and Tyree Glenn/b give a little Basie boost on a intriguing “Who Will Buy?” and “Oom-Pah-Pah.” Lots of esoteric sonic elements go in and out of the album as well, with bouzoukee, tympani and classical guitar making cameo appearances. There’s nothing to compare it two, sort of a West Coast Cool meets Hyde Park. Fun stuff!