Chuck and Gap Mangione - Spring Fever

The mode of expression for The Jazz Brothers is a modern, hard-swinging one, tempered by softer (but no less swinging) performances. The former vein is exemplified by Chuck Mangiones Brooks Brothers (a punning reference to an up-state New York disc jockey) and Spring Fever, and by Frank Pullaras Not Too Serious. The quietest moments are found on the celebrated standard ballad, What's New?, which contains a long, expressive Nestico solo, sandwiched by some sensitive muted work by Chuck.- by Ira Gitler

The third and final recording (originally released as "the Jazz Brothers" and now reissued on CD in the OJC series) features trumpeter Chuck Mangione, pianist Gap Mangione and tenor-saxophonist Sal Nistico in a 1961 hard bop quintet. The music is strictly straightahead with four group originals and versions of "What's New" and "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" being given winning treatments. Even if the overall results are not all that memorable (none of the musicians had distinctive voices yet), the music should please fans of 1950s jazz. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Artist: Chuck and Gap Mangione Quintet (The Jazz Brothers)
Album: Spring Fever
Year: 1961
Label: OJC (Remastered, 1992)
Runtime: 40:44


Tracks:
1.  First Waltz (Frank Pullara) 7:12
2.  What's New? (Johnny Burke/Bob Haggart) 5:50
3.  Spring Fever (Chuck Mangione) 7:04
4.  Brooks' Brothers (Chuck Mangione) 5:22
5.  Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg) 9:16
6.  Not Too Serious 6:00 (Frank Pullara)

Personnel:
Chuck Mangione (Trumpet)
Gap Mangione (Piano)
Sal Nastico (Tenor Saxophone)
Frank Pullara (Double Bass)
Vinnie Ruggieri (Drums)