As recorded by Manny Albam on West Side Story (Vocalion) 1957
JSB-003 Score and parts for 5 saxophones (1 alto, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm section (vibes, bass & drums) – 45€
World-class jazz arranger Manny Albam was the very first to work on a jazz version of the classic Leonard Bernstein West Side Story. In 1957 – a few month after the premier of Bernstein’s masterpiece – he went into the studio with an all-star band that included Gene Quill, Bob Brookmeyer, Ernie Royal, Al Cohn, Eddie Costa, Jimmy Cleveland and Hank Jones to name a few.
The recording was a reworking of the original music, proving Albam’s mastery in arranging, which impressed bernstein so much that he invited Albam to compose for the New York Philarmonic.
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