Deep People is a 1968 jazz album by Shelley Manne and Bill Russo that contrasts small-group improvisation with large ensemble arrangements. The first half features a compact combo of West Coast jazz musicians delivering cool, intricate interplay, while the second half expands into orchestral textures under Russo’s direction. The result is a dynamic and cerebral listening experience, balancing tight solos with ambitious compositional structure. It captures a moment where modern jazz was exploring both intimate expression and bold, orchestrated experimentation.
