Guitarist Herb Ellis, pianist Lou Carter, and bassist John Frigo were all members of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra when, in 1946, they decided to form a trio and go out on their own as the Soft Winds. Reminiscent, but not derivative of the Nat King Cole and Page Cavanaugh trios, the Soft Winds stayed together until 1950. Best known for jointly composing "Detour Ahead" and "I Told Ya, I Love Ya, Now Get Out," the band struggled for a few years before breaking up. The 16 selections that they recorded for Majestic and Mercury in 1947 and 1949 have unfortunately never been reissued, but in 1995, Carter easily persuaded producer Hank O'Neil to release 13 previously unknown vintage acetate recordings that he had of the band. The Soft Winds had a reunion that was recorded that year by O'Neil's Chiaroscuro label, with Carter (who had a long, if low-profile career), Frigo (now a violinist), Ellis (still in his prime), and bassist Keter Betts all in fine form. ~ Scott Yanow