The Forward Look

Recorded live on New Year's Eve in 1957, this session finds vibraphonist Red Norvo in an exuberantly swinging mood. Playing vibes without vibrato to achieve a clear and distinctive sound, Norvo demonstrates tremendous rhythmic energy and invention. Jerry Dodgion contributes inventively boppish solos on alto, while his flute blends with Norvo's vibraphone and Jimmy Wyble's guitar to add to the group's light, transparent textures. A fine rhythm section of journeymen Red Wootten on bass and John Markham on drums keeps the emphasis on concentrated swing in a repertoire that ranges from well-chosen pop tunes to Horace Silver's "Room 608" to Norvo's own classic "Cookin' at the Continental." Reference Recordings has a reputation for audiophile sound, and this very early tape by the label's engineer, Keith Johnson, is remarkably well recorded, capturing the intimacy and immediacy of Norvo's music. --Stuart Broomer