Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse All-Stars – Jazz Structures
An unusual album from the west coast scene of the 60s – recorded under the name of the Lighthouse All Stars, but featuring arrangements and compositions by Bob Cooper – who was the real driving force behind the set. Conte Candoli’s in the group on trumpet — and other players include Buddy Colette and Bud Shank on alto and flute, Frank Rosolino on trombone, Victor Feldman on vibes and percussion, Stan Levey on drums, and Cooper himself on tenor. The overall sound is relatively tightly constrained, in a “jazz suite” mode – but there’s plenty of room for solo space on the set, and Cooper’s writing is as fluid as his ability is strong to bring these players together as conductor. The set’s got a really great feel that gets way past some of the more academic west coast work of its sort – with a lot more soul than you’d expect. Titles include “Rain Blues”, “Genesis (pt II)”, “Architectonics”, “Directional Suite”, and “The Worker” (Dusty Groove). Bass – Monty Budwig Composed By, Conductor, Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper Drums – Stan Levey Leader – Howard Rumsey Piano – Joe Castro Reeds – Bud Shank, Buddy Collette Trombone – Frank Rosolino Trumpet – Conte Candoli Vibraphone – Larry Bunker Vibraphone, Piano, Congas – Victor Feldman
