The story of this recording begins with James Dean, the first - and arguably still the most iconic - screen actor of the postwar period. His reputation was made in the course of three films in which he starred before dying in an auto accident in 1955, age 24, and has since been burnished by innumerable tributes, both cinematic and musical. Dean, like Buddy Holly, would retain his mystique and allure through having died at the height of his fame and he remains a legend today. This LP is an interpretation of the music from documentary of James Dean. Music made by jazz greats Chet Baker and Bud Shank, recorded in late-1956. The list of top-class musicians alongside Shank and Baker here is absolutely stunning and includes Don Fagerquist, Charlie Mariano, Pepper Adams, Claude Williamson and Monty Budwig. With charts from two of the greatest arrangers of the era, Johnny Mandel and Bill Holman, little wonder this recording has taken on a life of its own and is universally considered more memorable than the original soundtrack. Theme Music From “The James Dean Story” Composed By Leith Stevens Arranged & Conducted By Johnny Mandel & Bill Holman Featuring Chet Baker & Bud Shank
