"Although this 1998 CD reissue features the Chet Baker Quartet (in what was a reunion session), it was originally released under pianist Russ Freeman's name. All but two of the eight songs on the set ("Love Nest" and "Lush Life") are compositions by the pianist and they often feature both challenging chord changes and swinging solos. Baker, who improvises on the date with a fair amount of fire while sticking to his middle register, emerges as the key soloist although Freeman sounds quite original within the genre; bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Shelly Manne play tastefully in quiet support of the lead voices. All of the music was previously reissued as part of the complete Chet Baker Quartet limited-edition Mosaic box set that has since gone out of print. Well worth exploring." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)
"In 1955 the difference between East and West Coast jazz was a hot topic. The title of this disc was a joke, considering all musicians involved were originally from the East Coast and did not play exclusively in the laid-back cool East Coast style. Getz was in California for filming purposes, where he picked up a week long gig at Zardi's in Hollywood. The band that greeted him featured a great rhythm section: Lou Levy (p), Leroy Vinnegar (b), and Shelly Manne (d), along with Conte Candoli (t). These musicians connected with Getz immediately, having crossed paths previously. Impressed with this lineup, he took them into the studio to record "West Coast Jazz". Generally unlike West Coast jazz of the time, the rapid group interplay with energized bop solos, still stand out particularly on "S-H-I-N-E" and Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia." Coupled with the album's original six tracks, this Verve Master Edition collects several previously released outtakes from these sessions." (Al Campbell, Allmusic)
"The swing and bop start right here on this legendary 1959 session between baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and tenor man Ben Webster. The opening track, Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," is lush and emotional and truly sets the tone for this album. With Jimmy Rowles on piano (his intro on "Sunday" sounds like a ragtimer like Willie "The Lion" Smith just pushed him off the stool before the band came in), Mel Lewis on drums, and always superb Leroy Vinnegar on bass present and accounted for, the rhythm section is superbly swinging with just the right amount of bop lines and chords in the mix to spice things up. The ghost of Duke Ellington hovers over every note on this record (Billy Strayhorn was one of his main arrangers), and that is a very good thing indeed. There's a beautiful understated quality to the music on this session that makes it the perfect "relaxing around the house on a rainy day" disc to pop in the player. File this one under cool, very smooth, and supple." (Cub Koda, Allmusic)
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