LUCKY THOMPSON - Lucky Thompson With Dave Pochonet All Stars (1956-2001) Jazz In Paris 73 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While visiting France in 1956, tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson recorded over a dozen sessions within a span of just four months, with various groups put together by drummer Gerard "Dave" Pochonet. This CD reissue in Verve's Jazz in Paris series combines two different studio dates. Four tracks feature a septet with an unusual lineup that includes bass trombonist Charles Verstraete and baritone saxophonist Michel de Villers and a rhythm section anchored by pianist Martial Solal. The full group blends very well, with excellent solos by each member of the front line, though Thompson's quartet feature, "Lullaby of the Leaves," is marred somewhat by his squeaking reed. The remaining five selections are by a tentet that includes the entire septet, except Henri Renaud takes over on piano. Thompson's lush quartet treatment of "I Should Care" is the highlight of the latter date. The French musicians prove up to the task of working with the visiting American star on both dates, while Thompson is in top form throughout most of the two sessions. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Fascinating Blues:03
Jean-Pierre Sasson
2     I Should Care 4:17
Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
3     One for the Boys and Us 7:09
Gerard Pochonet / Lucky Thompson
4     Home Free 5:07
Lucky Thompson
5     Bluebird Blues 3:57
Neal Hefti
6     Lullaby of the Leaves 4:00
Bernice Petkere / Joe Young
7     Easy Going 4:08
Lucky Thompson
8     Let's Try Again 6:30
Michel de Villers
9     Stewin' Up a Wig 3:54
Gerard Pochonet
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Michel de Villers (faixas: 2 to 5, 7)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Jo Hrasko (faixas: 2 to 5, 7)
Baritone Saxophone – Marcel Hrasko, Michel de Villers
Bass Trombone – Charles Verstraete (faixas: 1, 6, 8, 9)
Double Bass – Benoit Quersin
Drums – Dave Pochonet
Guitar – Jean-Pierre Sasson
Piano – Henri Renaud (faixas: 2 to 5, 7), Martial Solal (faixas: 1, 6, 8, 9)
Producer – Frank Ténot
Tenor Saxophone – Lucky Thompson
Trombone – Charles Verstraete (faixas: 2 to 5, 7)
Trumpet – Fernand Verstraete (faixas: 2 to 5, 7)
Notas
Recorded in Paris in 1956 on April 16 (1, 6, 8, 9) and May 11 (2-5, 7)