The comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan might seem an odd choice for a jazz interpretation, but arranger Jim Timmens made it work on this 1959 Warner Bros. release.
Of course having the cream of the New York session players on board helped immeasurably -- people like Hal McKusick and Walt Levinsky on alto sax and clarinet, Al Klink on tenor sax and trumpeters Donald Byrd and Joe Wilder. Guitarists Kenny Burrell and Mundell Lowe are on board as well.
Timmens was also a composer, with his most famous song being the standard Aren't You Glad You're You, and served as musical director for New York's Radio City Music Hall. His recorded output under his own name appears to consist of Gilbert and Sullivan Revisited and a followup for Warner Bros., Showboat Revisited, also released in '59.
Below is a link to a sample track from Gilbert and Sullivan Revisited.
We Sail the Ocean Blue
Amazingly Gilbert and Sullivan Revisited is available as a download from most of the major sources. However, it's another release from Hallmark, which often uses vinyl as its source. Listen before buying.
Used copies of the LP turn up frequently on the auction sites, with quality and prices varying widely.
In 1957, Jim Timmens provided the arrangements for an album by actress Tina Louise, It's Time for Tina. Heard on this selection from YouTube are Tyree Glenn on trombone, Coleman Hawkins tenor sax and Hilton Jefferson alto sax, with the orchestra led by pianist Buddy Weed.
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