Although Pete Jolly had recorded only three albums for A&M; in the late 1960's, he is even better known as the lively pianist with the late Shorty Rogers (pictured at right) and His Giants,Shorty Rogers one of the leading jazz groups on the west coast throughout the 1950's, and probably the group that defined the "West Coast" jazz movement. His best-known gig resulted in a Billboard #1 single: that's Pete's electric piano introduction that graces Herb Alpert's first chart-topping single, "This Guy's In Love With You". He also played on many of A&M;'s early recordings with the Tijuana Brass, the Baja Marimba Band with Julius Wechter, and likely on albums by early-roster artists Chris Montez and Claudine Longet. Pete is still active today in the Los Angeles area in his preferred environment, a jazz trio.

At this time, the discography covers only Pete Jolly's recordings for A&M; Records. His other albums, as well as other projects he's recorded for and groups he's performed with, will be covered at a later date. For the time being, a few of these sessions will be mentioned below. Until the next edition, read up on the information presented here, find some of his recordings, and discover one of the finest pianists in jazz!

Album Jacket Herb Alpert Presents Pete Jolly
A&M; SP-4145 (Recorded 1968)

Produced by Herb Alpert
Arranged and Conducted by Marty Paich

Musicians: Pete Jolly, piano; Earl Palmer, drums; John Pisano, guitar; Chuck Berghofer, bass. Other musicians uncredited.

Song Listing:

  1. Windows Of The World (Bacharach/David)
  2. Serenada (Parish/Anderson)
  3. Dindi (Jobim/Gilbert)
  4. You've Got To Be There (Levitt/Sexter)
  5. Like A Lover (Caymmi/Motta/A. Bergman/M. Bergman)
  6. Lonely Girl (Hefti/Livingston/Evans)
  7. Amy's Theme (Sebastian)
  8. Love So Fine (Asher/Nichols)
  9. For Carl (Vinnegar)
  10. Dancing In The Street (Stevenson/Gaye)
This album is a slight departure for Pete Jolly, considering that it leans toward the mainstream rather than "purist" jazz afficionados. Its easygoing manner still has roots in the "West Coast" sound, while being accessible to many fans who aren't jazz oriented. In other hands, it could have come out as jazz Musak. With the renowned Marty Paich penning the unobtrusive arrangements, Pete is never buried under an avalanche of brass or flood of syrupy strings. Instead, his unique sound on the piano shines through. The album is very enjoyable, and the songs draw you in like a magnet. A lesser-known Bacharach/David tune opens the album on an upbeat note. "Dindi" brings to mind a cozy nightclub, late at night, with Pete's jazz trio off in the corner providing a romantic mood. "Like A Lover" gets a treatment more upbeat than its Brasil '66 counterpart, while Alpert's hand is evident in the similar arrangement of "Love So Fine". This LP was one of Pete Jolly's best sellers, and rightfully so. It is also probably the easiest to find of his out-of-print recordings.
Give A Damn
A&M; SP-4184 (Recorded 1969)

Produced by Herb Alpert and George Jerman
Piano and trio arrangements by Pete Jolly
Horn arrangements by Dee Barton
Recorded "Live" at Donte's in North Hollywood, CA

Musicians: Pete Jolly, piano; Chuck Berghofer, bass; Nick Ceroli, drums; Conte Candoli, trumpet; Jay Daversa, trumpet; Bob Edmondson, trombone; Bob Brookmeyer, trombone.

Song Listing:

  1. Little Green Apples (Russell)
  2. What The World Needs Now Is Love (Bacharach/David)
  3. Trolley Song (Martin/Blane)
  4. The Look of Love (Bacharach/David)
  5. Whistle While You Work (Morey/Churchill)
  6. Give A Damn (Scharf)
Recorded live, this short LP continues the jazz/pop idea of Herb Alpert Presents... somewhat, but strays into jazz territory. The group stretches out, and cooks, on "Trolley Song". In a unique arrangement, "The Look Of Love" gets some life breathed into it. The sound quality isn't as polished as the first A&M; album, but Jolly's blazing keyboard work cuts through it quite clearly. A good follow-up to his A&M; debut!
Seasons
A&M; SP-3033 (Recorded 1970)

Produced by Herb Alpert
Brass arrangement on "The Indian's Summer" by Bill Holman

Musicians: Pete Jolly, piano; Chuck Berghofer, bass; Paul Humphrey; John Pisano, guitar; Milt Holland; Emil Richards.

Song Listing:

  1. Leaves (Jolly)
  2. Younger Than Springtime (Rodgers/Hammerstein)
  3. Bees (Jolly)
  4. Rainbows (Jolly)
  5. Plummer Park (Jolly)
  6. Springs (Jolly)
  7. Seasons (Nichols)
  8. Sand Storm (Jolly)
  9. Autumn Festival (Jolly)
  10. Prairie Road (Jolly)
  11. The Indian's Summer (Jolly)
  12. Pete Jolly (Jolly)
Rather than constantly rehash an "A&M; Formula" sound, the musicians went into the studio and "jammed" through this album. Alpert's hands-off approach to the production lets the improvised spirit take over the reins, creating a spontaneous 12 tunes in about four hours. "We literally improvised as we went along--using visual and musical communications between ourselves to let the tunes happen, breathe and expand," Jolly states. "Then we edited down the four hours of tape, did a little overdubbing, and this album is the result." In addition to the piano, Pete also plays a Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Accordion, Musette, Sano Vox and Hammond Organ. Anyone who thinks of Pete Jolly only from his first two A&M; albums may be in for a rude awakening, but the more adventurous of us will enjoy this album.
¡Something Festive!
A&M; SP-19003

A compilation LP of various A&M; artists performing Christmas songs, Pete Jolly's entry is a playful arrangement of "It's The Most Wonderful Time", with a background arrangement that is similar to Herb Alpert's own Christmas album.

45 RPM Singles on A&M; Records

A&M; #1032, "Give A Damn" (promo both sides)
A&M; #1089, "What The World Needs Now Is Love" b/w "Little Green Apples" (promo)

Import A&M; LPs

Steve Sidoruk (A&M; Fan Network) relates the following:

AMLB 1003 "Jazz In A Penthouse" (A&M; U.K. - 1970) Sampler w/ Jolly doing "Lonely Girl" - refers to new Jolly album, titled "SERENATA," has just been released. Back cover shows album artwork for "Serenata" AMLB 1009 - is same cover photo as U.S. released "Give A Damn." I think that "Serenata" is a collection of tracks from 1st two Jolly albums. All the other tracks on "Jazz In A Penthouse" refer to the A&M; albums from which they came, except no album reference for Jolly's track. "Something Festive!" was released in Germany as "Merry Christmas From Herb Alpert And His Friends" - 212 048 with different front cover art.
Other Pete Jolly Recordings Currently In Print

Live in L.A. (The Red Chimney/Sherry's Recordings) (VSOP #91)
Songs: Blues In The Closet, Bluesette, Falling In Love With Love, I'm Beginning To See The Light, Oleo, Red Door, Someday My Prince Will Come, Time After Time, Whistle While You Work, Yeah.
Summary: This CD release covers the earliest live recordings by the Pete Jolly trio, and features either Chuch Berghofer or Ralph Pena on bass and Nick Martinis on the drums. These recordings have remained unreleased until 1994 when this CD was pressed.

Pete Jolly Trio and Friends (VSOP #78)
Songs: "Little Bird", "Falling In Love With Love", "Three-Four-Five", "Alone Together", "Sweet September", "The Moment of Truth", Blues Two Ways", "The Grass Is Greener", "The First of May", "A Sleepin' Bee", "Here's That Rainy Day", "No Other Love", "Soft Winds", "Can't We Be Friends", I'm Beginning To See The Light", "Oleo".
Summary: Featuring Chuck Berghofer on bass, guitarist Howard Roberts, and Larry Bunker or Nick Martinis on drums, Jolly and his outfit are also joined by a string section on several tracks. This CD compiles selections from Jolly's three Ava LPs recorded in 1962, 1963 and 1964.

Yeah! (VSOP #98)
Pete Jolly has been one of the most active and talented pianists working in Los Angeles for the past 40 years. This trio has been together for more than 30 of those years and is one of the most accomplished and experienced jazz groups anywhere. The program combines some of the compositions that Pete has had in his repertoire during the course of his extensive playing career with several selections that he has never played before.

Yours Truly (Quartet #QUW1007)
Summary: Pete Jolly is joined by his longtime sidemen Chuck Berghofer (bass) and Nick Martinis (drums) on this 1993 recording. The trio performs 11 standards plus Jolly's old hit "Little Bird" on this excellent recording. It has all the hallmark elements of classic Pete Jolly--good taste, exuberant piano work, and restraint when called for, and Berghofer and Martinis are excellent accompanists who can keep up with Jolly's frequent outbursts.

Note: Visit the web site for VSOP Records for more information and ordering information.

Other Recordings Pete Jolly Has Appeared On

Herb Alpert: "This Guy's In Love With You" (electric piano introduction)

Shorty Rogers & His Giants: Shorty Rogers plays Richard Rogers (RCA LPM-1428)
Shorty Rogers & His Giants: Gigi in Jazz (RCA LPM-1696)
Shorty Rogers & His Giants: Chances Are It Swings (RCA LSP-1975)
Shorty Rogers & His Giants: The Wizard of Oz and Other Harold Arlen Songs (RCA LSP-1997)

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