KENNY CLARKE SEXTET - Plays André Hodeir (1956-2000) Jazz In Paris 39 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Kenny Clarke became a fixture on the Paris jazz scene after moving there in 1956. One of his best records from his early days abroad, originally released by Phillips, is finally available on CD as a part of Verve's Jazz in Paris reissue series. With superb arrangements by Andre Hodeir, and a rotating cast of musicians over three separate recording sessions, the drummer sticks to providing brushwork behind the scenes. "Bemsha Swing," jointly written by Clarke with Thelonious Monk, centers around Martial Solal's playful solo, while the brass and reeds seem to be coming at each other from all angles in Monk's "Eronel." Hodeir's composition "Oblique" sounds like something that would have fit in perfectly as part of the repertoire of the Miles Davis Birth of the Cool sessions, a period which Hodeir explores with his chart of Gerry Mulligan's "Jeru," in which the improvisations are actually written out. The moody take of "Blue Serge" briefly showcases trombonist Billy Byers, trumpeter Roger Guerin and baritone saxophonist Armand Migani. The only headache with this reissue is the mixed up track by track personnel listings, which don't consistently match up with the music heard, and which omit alto saxophonist Robert Guismath entirely. by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1     Bemsha Swing 3:54
Denzil Best / Thelonious Monk
2     Oblique 3:25          
André Hodeir    
3     Blue Serge 2:49
Mercer Ellington
4     Swing Spring 3:54
Miles Davis
5     On a Riff 2:58
André Hodeir
6     Jeru 3:51
Gerry Mulligan
7     The Squirrel 3:07
Tadd Dameron
8     Eronel 3:28
Thelonious Monk
9     'Round About Midnight 2:57
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
10     When Lights Are Low 3:09
Benny Carter / Spencer Williams
11     Cadenze 3:59
André Hodeir    
12     Tahiti 4:28
Milt Jackson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Hubert Rostaing (faixas: 2, 6, 8, 12)
Arranged By – André Hodeir
Baritone Saxophone – Armand Migiani (faixas: 1 to 8, 12)
Double Bass – Jean Warland (faixas: 1 to 4, 6 to 8, 11, 12), Pierre Michelot (faixas: 5, 9, 10)
Drums – Kenny Clarke
Piano – Martial Solal (faixas: 1 to 8, 11, 12), René Urtreger (faixas: 9, 10)
Trombone – Billy Byers (faixas: 1 to 8, 11, 12), Nat Peck (faixas: 9, 10)
Trumpet – Roger Guérin (faixas: 9, 10)
Nota :
Recorded October 26 (5, 9, 10), November 21 (2, 6, 8, 12) and November 30 (1, 3, 4, 7, 11) 1956 at the Apollo studio, Paris.
Reissue of the Philips LP 77 312.