Pete Rugolo

Equal parts concept record and mash note, Behind Brigitte Bardot celebrates the legendary French sex kitten via West Coast jazz interpretations of her biggest film themes. The precise raison d'être behind the album is a mystery, but it's nevertheless a charmer, boasting some of Pete Rugolo's lushest and loveliest arrangements. Teamed with an all-star cast including altoist Bud Shank and trumpeters Jack Sheldon and Pete Candoli, Rugolo adapts themes like "Arsenic Blues," "Mambo Bardot" and "The Night Heaven Fell" from their original cinematic context into wry, cool-toned jazz melodies heavy on innuendo and late-night appeal. Whatever the notion behind the session, the execution's delightful.