by Scott Yanow
Back in the 1950s, Charlie Mariano was one of the most promising of the bop-orietned altoists. This Fresh Sound CD reissues 16 selections from three sessions originally released by Bethlehem. The personnel is consistent with Mariano joined by pianist
Claude Williamson
, bassist
Max Bennett
, drummer
Stan Levey
, trombonist
Frank Rosolino
(on eight songs) and the cooltoned trumpeter
Stu Williamson
(on 11). The repertoire mixes together fairly basic group originals and swinging standards with many fine solos by the horns. An excellent example of Charlie Mariano's playing in the 1950s.