RONNELL BRIGHT / ART SIMMONS - Piano aux Champs-Elysees (2001) Jazz In Paris 61 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This compilation in Verve's Jazz in Paris reissue series features two long unavailable studio sessions by two somewhat obscure pianists. Art Simmons, who recorded as a sideman with James Moody in 1949 and also appeared on discs by Dizzy Gillespie, Don Byas, Trummy Young, Bill Coleman, and Clark Terry, made his recording debut as a leader in 1956 with English guitarist Terry Donahue, bassist Bill Crow, and drummer Dave Bailey. Although his cool style of playing is a bit conservative, his treatments of standards such as "My Funny Valentine," "Too Marvelous for Words," and "Nice Work if You Can Get It" are worthwhile. Ronnell Bright is primarily known for his work as pianist for Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson, though he did a few dates as a leader. This 1958 session, originally recorded for Polydor, is a trio session with bassist Richard Davis and drummer Art Morgan. The music includes compositions by Johnny Pate (with whom he made his recording debut), Dizzy Gillespie, and Nat King Cole, as well the venerable blues from the Ellington songbook, "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." But the highlight of the second half of this CD consists of Bright's originals, especially the Bud Powell-flavored "Chasing Sarah." by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    Art Simmons–    Art's Blues 3:25
Written-By – Art Simmons
2    Art Simmons–    My Funny Valentine 2:36
Written-By – Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3    Art Simmons–    Hommage To Neil Hefti 3:11
Written-By – Art Simmons
4    Art Simmons–    Too Marvelous For Words 4:08
Written-By – Johnny Mercer, Richard Whiting
5    Art Simmons–    The Lady Is A Tramp 3:38
Written-By – Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6    Art Simmons–    What Is The Thing Called Love? 5:28
Written-By – Cole Porter
7    Art Simmons–    Nice Work If You Can Get It 3:38
Written-By – Ira And George Gershwin
8    Ronnell Bright–    Sail 'Em 3:45
Written-By – Ronnell Bright
9    Ronnell Bright–    Things Ain't What They Used To Be 4:16
Written-By [Incorrectly Attributed] – Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer
Written-By [Uncredited] – Mercer Ellington
10    Ronnell Bright–    Johnnie Pate's Blues 4:28
Written-By – Johnnie Pate
11    Ronnell Bright–    R And R Groove 4:47
Written-By – Ronnell Bright
12    Ronnell Bright–    The Champ 2:32
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
13    Ronnell Bright–    Easy Listening 4:25
Written-By – Nat King Cole
14    Ronnell Bright–    Chasing Sarah 3:44
Written-By – Ronnell Bright
15    Ronnell Bright–    Doxology 6:01
Written-By – Ronnell Bright
Credits :
Double Bass – Bill Crow (faixas: 1 to 7), Richard Davis (faixas: 8 to 15)
Drums – Art Morgan (faixas: 8 to 15), Dave Bailey (faixas: 1 to 7)
Guitar – Terry Donoughue (faixas: 1 to 7)
Piano – Art Simmons (faixas: 1 to 7), Ronnell Bright (faixas: 8 to 15)
Nota :
Art Simmons part (tracks 1 to 7):
Recorded March 13, 1956 in Paris.
Reissue of the Boîte à Musique 10'' LP 320.
Ronnell Bright part (tracks 8 to 15):
Recorded June 5, 1958 in Paris.
Reissue of the Polydor LP 46 106.
Track 9 is miscredited to Johnny Mercer instead of the correct Mercer Ellington.
Duke Ellington had nothing to do with composing Things Ain't What They Used To Be, it is Mercer's song, though it was supposed won in a card game from Johnny Hodges.