By the mid-'60s, with his career at a low ebb, Rich formed his own L.A.-based band with trumpeter Bobby Shew, saxophonists Gene Quill, Pete Yellin and Jay Corre and pianist John Bunch. Signed to Pacific Jazz, the group recorded this first album at the Chez Club in 1966. Bouyed by airplay of their dazzling "West Side Story" medley, the band and it's debut album were a success beyond expectations. This reissue features digital remastering and 9 previously unissued tracks to the original 8 - an important release with built-in demand.
1) Readymix
2) Basically Blues
3) Critic's Choice
4) My Man's Gone Now
5) Up Tight (Everything's Alright)
6) Sister Sadie
7) More Soul
8) West Side Story Medley: A) Overture/B) Cool/C) Something's Coming/D) Somewhere
9) What'd I Say
10) Hoe Down
11) Step Right Up
12) Apples (Aka Gino)
13) Chicago
14) In a Mellotone
15) Never Will I Marry
16) Lament for Lester
17) Naptown Blues