The Pacific Jazz Piano Trios
Mosaic Select 19

Here is a real collection of missing links. Anyone even remotely interested in West Coast jazz will get a thrill out of Mosaic's latest release, consisting of early 50's to 60's piano trios by the likes of Russ Freeman, Richard Twarzik, Jimmy Rowles and Clare Fischer. Each recording has been out of print for years, and is a musical as well as historical treat.

The Freeman sides are melodious and straightahead swinging sessions akin to his work with Chet Baker. Supported by the reliable Shelly Manne on most of these 52-57 tracks, Freeman is hard driving and lyrical through his set of bop standards and originals. Baker's other pianist, the tragic Richard Twardzik is featured on his only set as a leader. Dieing of an overdose at the tender age of 24 (BEFORE Baker got addicted!), his 7 songs reveals a dark and deep Bud Powell influence on uptempo pieces like "Just One of those things". Likewise, he is disquieting on the ballads "Bess, You is My Woman" and "Round Midnight". A very revealing set of "light" West Coast jazz.

Jimmy Rowles displays a strong Ellington influence on his collection of songs. With Ducal percussive attacks and Harlem stride, he joyfully breezes through a series of Basie-associated pieces (Topsy, Lady Be Good) and romantic takes on the likes of "Serenade in Blue" and "Let's Fall in Love." Rowles holds up extremely well over time, and deserves more credit than being known as "just" a supporting pianist.

Still active, Clare Fischer is spotlighted in a rare setting without any horn accompaniment. Light, quick, spry and thoroughly hip, he plays all around the intricate rhythms of his originals like "Free Too Long" and Piece for Scotty".

Completing these 60's sessions are bop-tinged takes on all too rarely heard Tristano's "Lennie's Pennies" and Gary Peacock's "Stranger."There is enough variation on these dates to keep one's interest for multiple listenings, and once and for all dispel the myth of limp West Coast Jazz.As always, they're limited to 5,000 copies, so order quickly at www.mosaicrecords.com


-George W. Harris