[TR24][OF] Red Norvo - Red Norvo Combo, The Second Time Around (Remastered) - 2019 (Early Jazz, Cool)

This album was the direct result of the Odessa Jazz Party in Texas in which vibraharpist Red Norvo participated, joined by saxophonist Kenny Davern, pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Mousey Alexander. Spread over six days, the Odessa Jazz Party brings together twenty or so musicians to play in various contexts. Red brought down the house with assistance by Davern and McKenna, who realized he was tired of making solo records. So, Red invited his friends to the studio in New York in 1975 to record two sessions for this, his second "Famous Door" series album, and here we have evidence of the strongly swinging music heard by the guests at Odessa. Features four previously unissued alternate takes.
"After making only one recording as a leader between 1960-1973, vibraphonist Red Norvo cut three albums for Famous Door during 1975-1977, launching a bit of a comeback. This LP, his second Famous Door release, is an excellent effort. The veteran vibraphonist plays six veteran swing standards plus his own "Santa Monica Blues" with pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Mousey Alexander, and (on four of the seven numbers) Kenny Davern on soprano. These small-group swing performances (which some would call "mainstream") are quite enjoyable." (Scott Yanow, AMG)