This is one of Richie Cole's most successful LPs. Four songs utilize
the Manhattan Transfer; the great vocalese singer
Eddie Jefferson (heard two weeks before his tragic death) makes his final record appearance; there are some good solos by pianist
Dick Hindman and guitarist
Bruce Forman; and
Tom Waits makes an eccentric guest appearance. But it is altoist
Cole who stars throughout on an unlikely program highlighted by boppish versions of such tunes as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Hi-Fly," "Relaxin' at Camarillo," "I Love Lucy," and his original "Tokyo Rose Sings the Hollywood Blues." A gem.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi