A clever and interesting pairing by Jordi Pujol. Two of the best British jazz groups at the end of the 1950s with similar instrumentations but contrasting approaches. Ross, one of the finest and most underrated musicians ever produced by this country, after being ‘chosen’ (partly by John Lewis) as Britain's member of the 1958 Newport International Band, later hooked up with Ganley, Jones and Wasser, adding tastefully swinging Canadian tenorman Ellefson to form The Jazz Makers. The group's concept is probably more West Coast-ish but with a British twist, with Lester Young a strong influence on both saxists. The material includes two originals each by the leaders plus one apiece by Ellefson and Jones. The Jazz Five, by contrast, was subtly influenced by Cannonball Adderley's more soulful approach. Ash is unquestionably the best British clarinettist since Carl Barriteau and, to a lesser extent Harry Parry and his only clarinet track here is the wistfully swinging ‘Autumn Leaves’. He and Klein made a ballsy front-line with swinging support from the always excellent Brian Dee, the big-toned bass of bearded Malcolm Cecil (who became Stevie Wonder's top synth technician in the late 1960s) and probably the most underrated of British drummers, Bill Eyden. Equally good on the second session is the West Country drummer used by Jackie McLean in London at the time, Tony Mann, who is said to be still active in Italy. Excellent material by Dee (2), Cecil (2) and Vic (1) who wrote the title jazz waltz. Well worth checking out.