Craft Recordings releases André Previn’s West Side Story as part of Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series and which is available today on vinyl and hi-res digital.

The extensive rollout, which continues Craft Recordings’ celebration of the storied jazz label, also includes titles by Ornette Coleman, Art Farmer, Leroy Vinnegar, Curtis Counce and Phineas Newborn, Jr.

Each album features lacquers cut from the original master tapes (AAA) by Bernie Grundman and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at QRP.

The series’ 2023 collection kicks off in style with a swinging interpretation of West Side Story, led by pianist André Previn and His Pals (drummer Shelly Manne and bassist Red Mitchell).

Released in 1960, three years after the legendary musical opened on Broadway, the instrumental album includes eight memorable selections from Leonard Bernstein’s score, including “I Feel Pretty,” “Maria” and “America.”

While the all-star trio stays true to the original material, they present each tune in a sophisticated new light. Available May 19th, this special reissue will mark the album’s first vinyl pressing in more than three decades.

Side A:
1. Something’s Coming
2. Jet Song
3. Tonight
4. I Feel Pretty

Side B:
5. Gee, Officer Krupke!
6. Cool
7. Maria
8. America

Simply put, André Previn’s West Side Story is a sonic masterpiece, featuring brilliant reinterpretations of the Bernstein score by Previn, in perhaps what was the highlight of his jazz career.

The last of a series of showtune albums recorded by the trio of pianist Andre Previn, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Shelly Manne, finds the all-star group focusing on the music of West Side Story (Previn and Manne alternated leadership, and as we now know, and musical appreciate, it was the drummer’s good fortune to have the famous My Fair Lady album under his own name at that time too).

Featuring eight of the main themes from the famous musical, including all the aforementioned titles, plus one of my own personal favorites, “Gee, Officer Krupke!,” which, of course, in the original, satirizes a growing social issue at the time for what to do with juvenile delinquents, the up high and laid low swing moments here are simply breathtaking.

As usual, the melodies are treated respectfully yet swingingly, and André Previn, in particular, excels in this setting.

Colored nicely by his arrangements alone, the trio chemistry takes it all to another level, for they truly lift Bernstein´s melodies to another level, bringing forth a respectful concept, and all without trying to shock. The sound is excellent and bright piano and crystal clear drums enhance what is also a most wondrous recording.

Official Purchase Link