(Vocal Jazz) The Pat Moran Quartet - While At Birdland (1950) - 2014, MP3, 320 kbps

While At Birdland, recorded in 1957, was only one of two albums Pat Moran made for Bethlehem. The session features a large ensemble with a front line accompanying Beverly Kelly and the rhythm section members on vocals. Pat Moran leads the rhythm section on piano and backing vocals with John Doling on bass and vocals and Johnny Whited on drums and vocals. Oscar Pettiford plays bass on some of the tracks here.
Pat Moran led an unusual quartet for a time in the 1950s, consisting of three instrumentalists. They only made two records for Bethlehem (as well as adding backing vocals to Mel Tormé's Songs for Any Taste) before disbanding. This album was originally issued as The Pat Moran Quartet, the group varies their routine, interspersing instrumentals with tightly arranged group vocals or Kelly as the sole singer, never failing to swing and showcasing the leader's strong chops on the keyboard. Though some of the group vocal arrangements seem like a throwback to groups of a decade earlier, the harmonies are always right on the mark and enjoyable.