THE MEL LEWIS SEXTET MODE LP-103

Personnel:
Mel Lewis: Drums
Charlie Mariano: Alto, Tenor Sax
Bill Holman: Tenor, Baritone Sax
Jack Sheldon: Trumpet
Marty Paich: Piano
Buddy Clark: Bass

Tracks:
Brookside (Bob Brookmeyer)
You Took Advantage of Me (Rodgers, Hart)
Zig-Zag (Bob Brookmeyer)
Jazz Goes To Siwash (Bill Holman)
Charlie's Cavern (Jack Sheldon)
Grey Flannel (Marty Paich)

Recorded June, 1957, Hollywood, CA
Producer: Red Clyde
Engineer: Bones Howe
Cover Portrait: Eva Diana.

This recording was Mel Lewis's second date as a leader and also marks the commencement of a close association with Bill Holman that lasted several years. In June of 1957, Mel had just left Stan Kenton's band and was very active working in the studios with Marty Paich. At Mode Records, he was the featured drummer on alsmost half of the recordings. Mel selected as sidemen, Jack Sheldon, Bill Holman, Charlie Mariano, Marty Paich and Buddy Clark. What he remembered best about the date was that Red Clyde let the musicians do pretty much whatever material they wanted. He found it very relaxing and it made for a very swinging session. The first three selections are written or orchestrated by Bob Brookmeyer. The last three are original compositions by Bill Holman, Jack Sheldon and Marty Paich, respectively. Radio Recorder's Thorne Nogar does an excellent job of engineering this early stereo date.