Australian Jazz Quintet - At the Varsity Drag (1956)

Tracklist

1. Alone Together
2. Koala
3. That Old Feeling
4. Affaire D'Amour
5. The Lady Is A Tramp
6. Lover Man
7. The Thrill Is Gone
8. New South Wail
9. Few Get It
10. So Nice
11. Varsity Drag
12. It Might As Well Be Spring

personnel :

Frank Capp - drums
Jack Brokensha - vibraphone
Jimmy Gannon - bass
Bryce Rohde - piano
Dick Healey - alto saxophone, flute
Erroll Buddle - tenor saxophone, bassoon

In the mid-'50s, the Australian Jazz Quartet were considered an unusual group since, in addition to piano, bass, and drums, their instrumentation had alto or flute, tenor or bassoon, and vibes. The band featured their own sly wit, which is often in evidence on this collection of tunes, particularly on "Varsity Drag." In addition to seven standards (including "Alone Together," "The Lady Is a Tramp," and "It Might As Well Be Spring"), the Aussies play three songs by Bill Holman, one from Med Flory, and an obscurity. The blend of bassoon, flute, and vibes in some sections is quite memorable even if the music overall was not all that innovative. Although a touch lightweight (with each of the selections clocking in around three minutes apiece), the results are enjoyable.