Herbie Harper - Herbie Harper (Remastered 2014) (2026) [Hi-Res]

One of the most inventive albums we've ever heard from trombonist Herbie Harper – and that's saying a lot, given some of his other records! The group's an unusual one – with some key members that are likely – Jimmy Giuffre on tenor and baritone, Charlie Mariano on alto, and Jimmy Rowles on piano – mixed with other more compelling choices, such as Corky Hale on harp and Paul Sarmento on tuba – both instruments that really expand the sonic range of the session, in ways you might not expect to work this well! Harper was one of the more inventive leaders of the west coast scene at the time, and really does a great job of putting the whole thing together – managing both the unique group, and to find plenty of space for his own well-crafted solos too. Titles include 'Topsy', 'Angus', 'Now You Know', 'I'll Take Romance', and 'Anything Goes'.

Herbie Harper, trombone
Corky Hale, harp
Charlie Mariano, alto saxophone
Jimmy Giuffre, tenor & baritone saxophones, clarinet
Paul Sarmento, tuba
Jimmy Rowles, piano
Harry Babasin, bass
Irv Cottler, drums

Recorded January 25, 1955 in Los Angeles, California, USA

Digitally remastered