Let's Cook!

The Oklahoman guitarist is on for this 1957 recording, which combines two dramatically different yet equally stellar jam sessions. The August session documents a chance encounter with tenor great Ben Webster and volatile but underappreciated trombonist Frank Rosolino supported by a crack rhythm section of pianist Jimmy Rowles, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Shelly Manne. The crafty, ultramodern arrangement (and the brilliant solos) of the old war horse "Tiger Rag" marks a highlight of Kessel's entire body of work. The November session adds Victor Feldman's vibes and Hampton Hawes's piano to the core of Kessel, Vinnegar, and Manne for a lengthy blues and a pair of standards. In the face of all the big names, Kessel still manages to steal the show, offering a slew of bluesy, mad-swinging lines delivered with unbelievable crispness, authority, and verve. --Marc Greilsamer