Herb Geller - Herb Geller Plays (1955) [1996]

The first of a series of excellent recordings that he made for Emarcy in the 1950s, all of which have been reissued by Emarcy in Japan. Other than four titles from a year before, this LP contains altoist Herb Geller's first recordings as a leader. Cut during a period when Herb was based in Los Angeles and regularly working with his wife, the talented but short-lived pianist Lorraine Geller, the music also has either Curtis Counce or Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Lawrence Marable or Eldridge Freeman on drums. Herb Geller was already in his early prime and contributed six originals. The band also performs one of Lorraine's tunes, plus five standards, all in swinging and boppish style. This LP (which has not been reissued lately) is well worth searching for.

Tracks:

01 - Love Is Like A Turtle
02 - Sweet Vinegar
03 - Sleigh Ride
04 - Sliver Rain
05 - Alone Together
06 - Happy Go Lucky
07 - Days I Never Knew
08 - Domestic Harmony
09 - Breaking Through The Sound barrier
10 - Kahagon
11 - You Stepped Out Of A Dream
12 - A Room With A View

Personnel:

Herb Geller - alto sax
Lorraine Geller - piano
Curtis Counce - bass on tracks 3-6, 9-12
Leroy Vinnegar - bass on tracks 1,2,7,8
Lawrence Marable - drums on tracks 3-6, 9-12
Eldridge 'Bruzz' Freeman - drums on tracks 1,2,7,8

Tracks 3-6 & 9-12: August 6 & 9, 1954 Los Angeles, CA
Tracks 1,2,7,8: August 14, 1955 Los Angeles, CA