AMG Review of Alive in London

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

Shelly Manne, along with many other jazz veterans, had to make accomodations in the '70s to changing musical values. While he didn't totally switch gears, there was a different flow and tone to his sessions, something that's clearly audible on Alive in London, a 1970 date cut at Ronnie Scott's and recently reissued on CD. Guitarist John Morell and electric pianist Mike Wofford reveal as much rock and pop influence as jazz technique, and Manne's backing holds things together without tipping the scales one way or the other. Trumpeter Gary Barone and tenor saxophonist John Gross were equally skillful at adapting, while bassist Roland Haynes held the rhythmic center along with Manne.