Biography
André Previn and His Pals, Shelly Manne & Red Mitchell represents a collaborative jazz trio that emerged during the golden age of West Coast jazz in the late 1950s. André Previn (born 1929 in Berlin) was an extraordinarily versatile musician who studied piano as a child and moved to Paris in 1938 before eventually settling in Los Angeles, where he was recognized as a prodigy, recording jazz at age 15 and arranging scores for MGM while still in high school. After serving in the Army, where he studied conducting with Pierre Monteux, Previn emerged in the 1950s as a swinging bop pianist known for his sophisticated interpretations of Broadway show music. Shelly Manne, a leading figure of the West Coast school of jazz, and Red Mitchell, an accomplished bassist, joined Previn to form a trio that specialized in jazz arrangements of theatrical scores. During 1957-1960, this collaboration produced some of Previn's finest jazz recordings for Contemporary Records, including celebrated albums of My Fair Lady, Pal Joey, Gigi, and West Side Story. The trio's work on West Side Story in 1960 exemplified their approach: transforming Leonard Bernstein's jazz-infused score into fresh interpretations that showcased Previn's innate grasp of phrasing and syncopated rhythm, Manne's innovative drumming, and Mitchell's solid bass foundation. This collaboration helped establish the trend of jazz groups recording Broadway show scores, fundamentally influencing how jazz musicians approached theatrical material. Previn's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 1962 when he abandoned jazz to pursue classical music and conducting, eventually leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic, though he would return to jazz part-time beginning in 1989.
Fun Facts
- The My Fair Lady album that Previn recorded with Shelly Manne was released under Manne's name rather than Previn's, much to Previn's regret, yet it became a hit record that launched the entire trend of jazz groups recording Broadway show scores.
- Previn was a child prodigy who began recording jazz at age 15 and was arranging film scores for MGM while still in high school in Los Angeles.
- On one recording session for a lush orchestral album, Previn improvised an entire string chart for a blues number on the spot to make up for the recording being a few minutes short, resulting in the hit 'Like Young'.
- Previn's career spanned three major musical genres—Hollywood film scores, jazz, and classical conducting—and he achieved significant success in all three, including winning four Academy Awards for his film music.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Pierre Monteux - Conducting teacher during Previn's Army service (Conducting studies) [1950]
- Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Bud Powell - Jazz piano influences on Previn's playing style (Jazz piano technique and interpretation) [1940s-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Shelly Manne - Drummer in the trio; frequent collaborator across multiple albums (My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Pal Joey, Gigi, Double Play) [1956-1960]
- Red Mitchell - Bassist in the trio; primary collaborator on theatrical score albums (West Side Story, Pal Joey, Gigi) [1957-1960]
- Leroy Vinnegar - Bassist in earlier Previn trio configuration (My Fair Lady) [1956]
- Frank Capp - Drummer in alternative trio configuration (King Size, Like Previn) [1957-1960]
- Russ Freeman - Co-pianist in unusual two-piano trio (Double Play) [1957-1960]
- Ella Fitzgerald - Vocal collaborator on side project (Nice Work If You Can Get It) [Post-1962]
Artists Influenced
- Jazz groups recording Broadway scores - Previn's My Fair Lady collaboration with Manne established the trend of jazz ensembles recording theatrical material (Trend-setting Broadway show jazz albums) [1956 onwards]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake | 1976-01-01 | Album |
| Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet | 1973 | Album |
| "Adagietto" - Smooth Music to Relax | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| "Capriccio - Classical Moments" | 2025-09-15 | Album |
| Concert of the Birds | 2025-06-30 | Album |
| Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 | 1974-01-01 | Album |
| "Continuo: The Classical Tradition": Vol. III | 2025-10-10 | Album |
| "Summer Fairy" - The Power of Music | 2025-06-25 | Album |
| "1700s & Beyond" - Classical Masterpieces | 2025-10-19 | Album |
| "10 Great Composers" - Orchestral Works | 2025-08-04 | Album |
| A Musical Bestiary | 2025-10-05 | Album |
| Zzzz. Carnival of the Insects - A Symphony for Life | 2025-05-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1: Dance of the Knights (Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: Introduction - No. 1, Scene. Allegro giusto (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 2, Waltz (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 5, Pas de deux for Two Merry-Makers (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 14, Scene. Moderato (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 9, Finale. Andante (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Paris Loves Lovers - Instrumental
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 13, Dances of the Swans (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 4, Pas de trois (Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ANDRE PREVIN, SHELLY MANNE, RED MITCHELL has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2025 | 17:56 | ZAMAR NODADfrom MY SON THE JAZZ DRUMMER | Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 17:32 | GEE, OFFICER KRUPKE!from WEST SIDE STORY | Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray |