Menza, Don
Hip Pocket
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

Sealed 1982 Original, Small Cut Corner. Features Sal Nistico, Sam Noto, Frank Strazzeri, Andrew Simpkins And Shelly Manne. "Don Menza tried a change of pace on this album, doubling on alto and baritone instead of his usual tenor. He has had the misfortune to record the majority of his dates for now-defunct labels, and this LP will be a bit hard to find. Menza teams up with tenorman Sal Nistico, trumpeter Sam Noto, pianist Frank Strazzeri, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Shelly Manne for music that is as swinging as one would expect from these players. They perform three of Strazzeri's originals, Menza's "Steppin'," an Alec Wilder obscurity, and Charlie Parker's "Quasimodo." Fine modern bop music." AMG - Scott Yanow