ABBEY LINCOLN — Who Used To Dance (1997) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Abbey Lincoln, 65 at the time of this recording, still had a reasonably strong voice at this point in her career, and although she showed signs of mellowing now and then, she was still capable of performing fiery musical statements. This Verve release mostly emphasizes slow tempos and melancholy moods. The nostalgic "Who Used to Dance" (featuring Savion Glover's tapdancing) is a highlight, and "Street of Dreams" works well, although "Mr. Tambourine Man" is not too essential. Six different saxophonists (five of them altoists) appear on the date (usually one on a song), and despite the diversity in styles (from Steve Coleman to Frank Morgan), their subsidiary roles and respectful playing find them all sounding fairly similar. An interesting but not overly essential outing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1        Love Has Gone Away    7:34
2        Who Used To Dance    9:43
3        Love Lament    7:10
4        Mr. Tambourine Man    6:52
5        When Autumn Sings    4:07
6        Love What You're Doin' Down There    8:24
7        Street Of Dreams    6:32
8        I Sing A Song    5:46
9        The River    4:57
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Frank Morgan (tracks: 3, 5), Justin Robinson (tracks: 9), Oliver Lake (tracks: 6, 9), Riley T. Bandy The III (tracks: 6, 8), Steve Coleman (tracks: 1, 6, 7)
Arranged By [Horns] – Randy Noel (tracks: 6)
Bass – John Ormond (tracks: 9), Michael Bowie (tracks: 1 to 8)
Cornet – Graham Haynes (tracks: 9)
Drums – Alvester Garnett (tracks: 2, 5, 6), Turu Alexander (tracks: 9)
Drums, Percussion – Aaron Walker (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Piano – Marc Cary (tracks: 1 to 8), Rodney Kendrick (tracks: 9)
Tenor Saxophone – Julien Lourau (tracks: 4)
Vocals [Background Vocals Comments] – Arthur Green (tracks: 9), Bazzi Bartholomew Gray (tracks: 9)
Vocals, Arranged By – Abbey Lincoln
Words By, Music By – Abbey Lincoln (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9)

STAN GETZ | KENNY BARRON — People Time (1992) 2CD | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Stan Getz's final recording, a two-CD live set of duets with pianist Kenny Barron that was cut just three months before his death, finds the great tenor in surprisingly creative form despite an occasional shortness of breath. Getz's tone is as beautiful as ever and he does not spare himself on this often exquisite set. His version of Charlie Haden's "First Song" is a highlight but none of the 14 performances are less than great. A brilliant farewell recording by a masterful jazzman. Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1     East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) 9:29
Brooks Bowman
2     Night and Day 8:16
Cole Porter
3     I'm Okay 5:24
Eduardo del Barrio
4     Like Someone in Love 8:02
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
5     Stablemates 8:47
Benny Golson
6     I Remember Clifford 9:04
Benny Golson
7     Gone With the Wind 7:12
Herbert Magidson / Allie Wrubel
Tracklist 2 :       
1     First Song (For Ruth) 9:55
Charlie Haden
2     There Is No Greater Love 8:36
Isham Jones / Marty Symes
3     The Surrey With the Fringe on Top 9:22
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
4     People Time 6:14
Benny Carter
5     Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise 7:54
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
6     Hush-A-Bye 9:33
Sammy Fain / Jerry Seelen / Ambroise Thomas
7     Soul Eyes 7:32
Mal Waldron
Credits :
Piano – Kenny Barron
Sax Tenor – Stan Getz

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - Live / Autumn Leaves (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) 15'41
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
2     Prelude to a Kiss 13'41
Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / Irving Mills
3     Blues for Gonzie 8'20
Johnny Griffin     
4     John Charles 10'05
Ronnie Mathews    
5     I Mean You 6'50
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Ronnie Mathews
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin

ABBEY LINCOLN / HANK JONES - When There Is Love (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This CD is a change of pace for Abbey Lincoln. She interprets ten standards (plus four of her originals), all love songs performed as duets with pianist Hank Jones. Although there is some social comentary, the emphasis is on male-female relationships and Lincoln sounds more optimistic than usual. Among the more memorable selections are Duke Ellington's "Black Butterfly," "The Nearness of You," "You Came a Long Way from St. Louis," Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" and "You Won't Forget Me." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     A Part of Me/There Are Such Things 4:36
Stanley Adams / Abel Baer / Abbey Lincoln / George W. Meyer
2     When There Is Love 4:43
Abbey Lincoln
3     Balck Butterfly 3:27
Ben Carruthers / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
4     Angel Face 5:37
Hank Jones / Abbey Lincoln
5     The Nearness of You 5:39
Hoagy Carmichael / Ned Washington
6     Can't Help Singing 2:32
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Jerome Kern
7     Close Your Eyes 3:07
Bernice Petkere
8     I Should Care 5:45
Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
9     You Came a Long Way from St. Louis 3:56
John Benson Brooks / Bob Russell
10     C'est Si Bon 5:44
Henri Betti / André Hornez
11     The Jitterbug Waltz 3:16
Richard Maltby, Jr. / Fats Waller
12     Time After Time 4:34
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
13     You Won't Forget Me 5:14
Kermit Goell / Fred Spielman
14     First Came a Woman 5:40
Abbey Lincoln
Credits :
Piano – Hank Jones
Vocals – Abbey Lincoln

SHIRLEY HORN - You Won't Forget Me (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With 1991's You Won't Forget Me, Shirley Horn's star continued to rise. While mostly ballads, this recording also includes swinging takes on "I Just Found Out About Love" and "Foolin' Myself." Toots Thielemans stars with his distinctive harmonica sound on "Beautiful Love" and "Soothe Me," and the unmistakable trumpet of Miles Davis weaves around Horn's vocal on the title track. The opening medley moves from the almost-whispered ballad "The Music That Makes Me Dance," to a funkily midtempo "Come Dance with Me." "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" is absolutely gorgeous, with Wynton Marsalis stepping in to trade phrases with Horn's voice. The music here is mostly taken at a very leisurely tempo, and the spare arrangements allow plenty of room for the music to breathe, proving that less is often more. The only complaint is that such spaciousness generates is a certain sameness to the material, but this is leavened by the guest appearances of Thielemans, Davis, the brothers Marsalis, and tenorman Buck Hill. by Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1     The Music That Makes Me Dance 6:32
Bob Merrill / Jule Styne
2     Come Dance with Me 2:47
Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
3     Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying 5:58
Joe Greene
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
4     Beautiful Love 3:38
Haven Gillespie / Wayne King / Egbert VanAlstyne / Victor Young
Harmonica, Guitar – Toots Thielemans
5     Come Back to Me 3:43
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner
6     Too Late Now 6:00
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner
7     I Just Found Out About Love 2:24
Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
8     It Had to Be You 6:49
Isham Jones / Gus Kahn
Saxophone [Tenor] – Branford Marsalis
9     Soothe Me 3:31
Joe Greene
Harmonica, Guitar – Toots Thielemans
10     Foolin' Myself 2:46
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
11     If You Go 8:57
Michel Emer / Geoffrey Parsons
12     You Stepped Out of a Dream 3:44
Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
Guitar – Charles Ables
13     You Won't Forget Me 7:12
Kermit Goell / Fred Spielman
Trumpet – Miles Davis
14     All My Tomorrows 6:22
Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
Credits :
Bass – Buster Williams (faixas: 5, 10, 12), Charles Ables (faixas: 1 to 3, 6 to 8, 11, 13, 14)
Drums – Billy Hart (faixas: 5, 10, 12), Steve Williams (faixas: 1 to 3, 6 to 8, 11, 13, 14)
Piano, Vocals, Arranged By – Shirley Horn
   

SHIRLEY HORN - I Love You, Paris (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The highlights of a 2½-hour concert recorded in Paris, this CD has even more ballads than a typical Shirley Horn set because, due to the monitor malfunctioning during the second half of the performance, Horn chose to stick exclusively to ballads during that portion of the show. Accompanied by bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams, Horn is in peak form throughout this program, often sounding exquisite and using silence and pauses quite expertly. Among the highlights are "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "Do It Again," a medley of "I Loves You Porgy" and "Here Comes De Honey Man," and a lengthy version of "A Song for You" that eventually becomes "Goodbye." Highly recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Wouldn't It Be Loverly? 6:23
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
2     Just in Time 3:13
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
3     He Was Too Good to Me 4:51
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4     Do It Again 8:17
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin
5     Old Country 5:37
Curtis Lewis
6     It's Easy to Remember 6:39
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7     All Through the Night 2:32
Cole Porter
8     L.A. Breakdown 6:47
Larry Marks
9     I Loves You, Porgy/Here Comes de Honey Man 9:45
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
10     A Song for You/Goodbye 12:54
Gordon Jenkins / Leon Russell
11     That Old Devil Called Love 7:33
Doris Fisher / Allan Roberts
Credits :   
Bass – Charles Ables
Drums – Steve Williams
Piano, Vocals – Shirley Horn 

LOUIS ARMSTRONG - The Best Live Concert Vol. 1 (1965-2000) Jazz In Paris 1 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1965 Paris concert by Louis Armstrong is not all that different in content from many of his live dates recorded during the last 15 years of his life. His all-stars had changed somewhat, with clarinetist Eddie Shu replacing Edmond Hall, singer Jewel Brown taking the place of the late Velma Middleton, and trombonist Tyree Glenn replacing Trummy Young, but the dependable pianist Billy Kyle (who died the following year) is still on hand to keep the band in a familiar groove. Armstrong sticks to his dependable opener, "When It's Sleepy Time Down South," following it with a spirited "Back Home Again in Indiana." Jewel Brown is acceptable on the snappy "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," but butchers "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine" with an overly dramatic and very pop-ish rendition. The fireworks of "Tiger Rag" are all too brief, while the often-requested "Hello Dolly" provokes several brief codas to acknowledge the audience's enthusiasm. This is one of the better-recorded concerts from late in Louis Armstrong's career, and while it couldn't be called an essential release in his considerable discography, it will not disappoint fans of his enthusiastic brand of swing. Recommended. by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1     When It's Sleepy Time Down South 3:17
Clarence Muse / Otis Rene / Leon René
2     (Back Home Again In) Indiana 4:13
James F. Hanley / Ballard MacDonald
3     Tiger Rag 1:26
Harry Da Costa / Eddie Edwards / Nick LaRocca / Henry W. Ragas / Tony Sbarbaro / Larry Shields
4     When I Grow Too Old to Dream 4:08
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
5     Perdido 2:06
Ervin Drake / Hans Lengsfelder / Juan Tizol
6     Hello, Dolly! 5:49
Jerry Herman
7     On the Alamo 4:19
Isham Jones / Gus Kahn
8     A Kiss to Build a Dream On 4:30
Oscar Hammerstein II / Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby
9     Lover, Come Back to Me 2:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
10     Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:10
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
11     Mop Mop/Blueberry Hill 3:30
Claude Demetrius / Al Lewis / Vincent Rose / Larry Stock / J. Mayo Williams
Credits :
Clarinet – Eddie Shu
Double Bass – Buddy Catlett
Drums – Danny Barcelona
Piano – Billy Kyle
Trombone – Tyree Glenn
Trumpet – Louis Armstrong
Vocals – Louis Armstrong (faixas: 1, 2, 6, 8)
Nota :
Recorded June 4, 1965 at the Palais des Sports, Paris.
Partial reissue of the Festival LP 200.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG - The Best Live Concert Vol. 2 (1965-2000) Jazz In Paris 2 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Louis Armstrong was recorded live so many times during the last two decades of his career that jazz fans tend to take many of these releases for granted. But this second volume from a 1965 Paris concert finds Armstrong expanding his repertoire a bit, including pop songs of the day in addition to expected fare like "Muskrat Ramble." The fluid muted trombone of Tyree Glenn is showcased in a swinging "Volare," vocalist Jewel Brown (Velma Middleton's replacement) offers a spirited rendition of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" backed by Billy Kyle's bluesy piano, while bassist Buddy Catlett takes his turn in the spotlight during "Cocktails for Two." The recent turnover in personnel not long before this concert tour hardly seems to have hampered Armstrong, who returns for an crowd-pleasing medley of "When the Saint Go Marchin' In" and the inevitable request for "Hello Dolly." This CD from the Jazz in Paris series benefits from 24-bit remastering, while the mid-line price also adds to its appeal. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Muskrat Ramble 3:35
Ray Gilbert / Kid Ory
2     Volare 4:35
Domenico Modugno
3     Cocktails for Two 4:19
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
4     Stompin' at the Savoy 7:40
Benny Goodman / Andy Razaf / Edgar Sampson / Chick Webb
5     It's Easy to Remember 4:09
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6     Teach Me Tonight 2:25
Sammy Cahn / Gene DePaul
7     I Left Me Heart in San Francisco 4:16
George Cory / Douglass Cross
8     My Man 2:12
Maurice Yvain
9     Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home 1:17
Hughie Cannon
10     When the Saints Go Marchin' In/Hello Dolly 4:35
Traditional
Credits :
Clarinet – Eddie Shu
Double Bass – Buddy Catlett
Drums – Danny Barcelona
Piano – Billy Kyle
Trombone – Tyree Glenn
Trumpet – Louis Armstrong
Vocals – Jewell Brown (faixas: 7 to 9), Louis Armstrong (faixas: 10)
Nota :
Recorded June 4, 1965 at the Palais des Sports, Paris.
Partial reissue of the Festival LP 200 - Louis Armstrong - The Best Live Concert.
The titles "Cabaret", "Mack the knife", and the medley "Tenderly / You never walk alone / Mop mop" from the 1967 recording in Juan-les-Pins do not appear here.

MILES DAVIS - Ascenseur Pour L'Échafaud (1957-2000) Jazz In Paris 3 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jazz and film noir are perfect bedfellows, as evidenced by the soundtrack of Louis Malle's Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud (Lift to the Scaffold). This dark and seductive tale is wonderfully accentuated by the late-'50s cool or bop music of Miles Davis, played with French jazzmen -- bassist Pierre Michelot, pianist René Urtreger, and tenor saxophonist Barney Wilen -- and American expatriate drummer Kenny Clarke. This recording evokes the sensual nature of a mysterious chanteuse and the contrasting scurrying rat race lifestyle of the times, when the popularity of the automobile, cigarettes, and the late-night bar scene were central figures. Davis had seen a screening of the movie prior to his making of this music, and knew exactly how to portray the smoky hazed or frantic scenes though sonic imagery, dictated by the trumpeter mainly in D-minor and C-seventh chords. Michelot is as important a figure as the trumpeter because he sets the tone, as on the stalking "Visite du Vigile." While the mood of the soundtrack is generally dour and somber, the group collectively picks up the pace exponentially on "Diner au Motel." At times the distinctive Davis trumpet style is echoed into dire straits or death wish motifs, as on "Generique" or "L'Assassinat de Carala," respectively. Clarke is his usual marvelous self, and listeners should pay close attention to the able Urtreger, by no means a virtuoso but a capable and flexible accompanist. This recording can stand proudly alongside Duke Ellington's music from Anatomy of a Murder and the soundtrack of Play Misty for Me as great achievements of artistic excellence in fusing dramatic scenes with equally compelling modern jazz music. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1    Générique    2:52
Miles Davis
2    L'Assassinat De Carala    2:12
Miles Davis
3    Sur L'Autoroute    2:21
Miles Davis
4    Julien Dans L'Ascenseur    2:13
Miles Davis
5    Florence Sur Les Champs-Élysées    2:53
Miles Davis
6    Dîner Au Motel    3:59
Miles Davis
7    Évasion De Julien    0:55
Miles Davis
8    Visite Du Vigile    2:05
Miles Davis
9    Au Bar Du Petit Bac    2:55
Miles Davis
10    Chez Le Photographe Du Motel    3:55
Miles Davis
Credits :
Double Bass – Pierre Michelot
Drums – Kenny Clarke
Piano – René Urtreger
Tenor Saxophone – Barney Wilen
Trumpet, Composed By – Miles Davis
Nota :
Original soundtrack of the Louis Malle's movie.
Reissue of the Fontana 10" LP 660 213.
Recorded December 4 and 5, 1957 at the Poste Parisien, Paris.
 

DONALD BYRD - Byrd in Paris (1959-2000) Jazz in Paris 4 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trumpeter Donald Byrd spent a few months in France in 1958, and a Paris concert resulted in two LPs' worth of material. Byrd's quintet at the time included Bobby Jaspar (on tenor and flute), pianist Walter Davis, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor. Byrd was just beginning to find his own sound in the late '50s and he is in excellent form on "Dear Old Stockholm," Sonny Rollins' "Paul's Pal," Jaspar's "Flute Blues," "Ray's Idea," and "The Blues Walk." This is a fine all-around hard bop session. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1     Dear Old Stockholm 12:23
Traditional
2 Paul's Pal 12:23
Written-By – Sonny Rollins
3 Flute Blues 7:12
Written-By – Bobby Jaspar
4 Ray's Idea 7:26
Written-By – Ray Brown
5 The Blues Walk 9:17
Written-By – Chris Woods
Credits :
Double Bass – Doug Watkins
Drums – Art Taylor
Flute – Bobby Jaspar (tracks: 3)
Piano – Walter Davis Jr.
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Jaspar (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Trumpet – Donald Byrd

DONALD BYRD QUINTET - Parisian Thoroughfare (1958-2000) Jazz In Paris 5 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of two sets that document a Paris concert by trumpeter Donald Byrd, Parisian Thoroughfare features Bobby Jaspar on tenor and flute, pianist Walter Davis, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor. Other than Byrd's "At This Time" and Davis' "Formidable," the quintet sticks to bop standards, many of which are quite concise and clock in at around three minutes. Longer versions of the title track (a high point) and "52nd Street Theme" are exceptions. This spirited, bop-oriented music is the equal of the first volume. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Salt Peanuts 2:13
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke
2    Parisian Thoroughfare 9:05
Written-By – Bud Powell
3    Stardust 3:19
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish
4    52nd Street Theme 6:42
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
5    At This Time 10:03
Written-By – Donald Byrd
6    Formidable 9:28
Written-By – Walter Davis Jr.
7    Two-Bass Hit 2:56
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis
8    Salt Peanuts 2:15
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke
Credits :
Double Bass – Doug Watkins
Drums – Art Taylor
Piano – Walter Davis Jr.
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Jaspar
Trumpet – Donald Byrd
Nota :
Recorded live on October 22, 1958 at the Olympia, Paris.
Reissue of the Brunswick LP 87 904. 

PEANUTS HOLLAND / BUD CLAYTON / CHARLIE SINGLETON - Club Session (2000) Jazz In Paris 6 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
Club Session 1: Buck Clayton (November 1953, Paris)
1    Buck Clayton–    Buck's Bon Voyage 4:39
Written-By – André Persiany
2    Buck Clayton–    Fast Bus Soft 3:06
Written-By – Michel de Villers
3    Buck Clayton–    Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 3:06
Written-By – Sam H. Stept, Sydney Clare
4    Buck Clayton–    Easy To Riff 2:57
Written-By – Jean-Pierre Sasson
5    Buck Clayton–    Gift For The Club 3:51
Arranged By – Buck Clayton
Written-By – Mary Lou Williams
Club Session 2: Peanuts Holland (1954, Paris)    
6    Peanuts Holland–    Flying Home 5:47
Written-By – Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Sid Robin
7    Peanuts Holland–    That's My Desire 4:20
Written-By – Carroll Loveday, Helmy Cresa
8    Peanuts Holland–    It's Wonderful 4:04
Written-By – Cameron Wells, Mitchell Parish, Stuff Smith
9    Peanuts Holland–    Blue Feeling 5:26
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Club Session 3: Charlie Singleton (22 September 1955, Schola Cantorum, Paris)    
10    Charlie Singleton–    Lester Leaps In 6:05
Written-By – Lester Young
11    Charlie Singleton–    These Foolish Things 4:08
Written-By – Harry Link, Holt Marvell, Jack Strachey
12    Charlie Singleton–    Purple Sound 4:13
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
13    Charlie Singleton–    Lullaby Of Birdland 2:38
Written-By – George Shearing
14    Charlie Singleton–    Yesterdays 4:56
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach
15    Charlie Singleton–    Blues À La Schola 4:02
Written-By – Charlie Singleton
Credits :
Double Bass – Charlie Blareau (faixas: 1 to 9), Eddie De Haas (faixas: 10 to 15)
Drums – Gérard Pochonet (faixas: 1 to 5), Jean-Baptiste "Mac Kac" Reilles (faixas: 6 to 9), Reggie Jackson (faixas: 10 to 15)
Guitar – Jean-Pierre Sasson (faixas: 1 to 5)
Piano – André Persiany (faixas: 1 to 5), Jean-Claude Pelletier (faixas: 6 to 9), Jules Dupont (faixas: 10 to 15)
Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Singleton (faixas: 10 to 15), Guy Lafitte (faixas: 6 to 9)
Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Michel de Villers (faixas: 1 to 5)
Trombone – Charles Verstraete (faixas: 10 to 15)
Trumpet – Bernard Hulin (faixas: 10 to 15), Buck Clayton (faixas: 1 to 5), Peanuts Holland (faixas: 6 to 9)
Vibraphone – Géo Daly (faixas: 6 to 9)
Nota :
Reissue of the Club Français du Disque 10" LP's 6 (1-9) and 13 (10-15).
℗ 1954 (1-9) & 1956 (10-15) Universal Music S.A. France.

BILL COLEMAN - From Boogie to Funk (1960-2000) Jazz In Paris 7 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From Boogie to Funk finds the somewhat undercelebrated swing trumpeter Bill Coleman at a late period in his career, nailing down this set of blues in Paris with a fine group in 1960. The set begins wonderfully with an extended journey through a 16-minute two-part piece entitled "From Boogie to Funk," with the first part subtitled "The Blues" and the second titled "The Boogie." The subtitles prove fitting as Coleman indeed picks up the pace a bit for the second part, and from there the album never really slows down much. It's this swinging feel that propels the later pieces -- "Bill, Budd and Butter," "Afromotive in Blue," "Colemanonlogy," and "Have Blues, Will Play 'Em" -- which were all composed by Coleman, as were the two parts of "From Boogie to Funk." Overall, this set never hits a lull and proves delightful throughout, making one wish Coleman would have recorded a few more sessions such as this while in Paris. Joining him here are Budd Johnson (tenor sax), Les Spann (guitar), Patti Bown (piano), Quentin Jackson (trombone), Buddy Catlett (bass), and Joe Harris (drums). by Jason Birchmeier
Tracklist :
1     From Boogie to Funk, Pt. 1: The Blues 11:37
Bill Coleman
2     From Boogie to Funk, Pt. 2: The Boogie 4:34
Bill Coleman
3     Bill, Bud and Butter 9:42
Bill Coleman
4     Afromotive in Blue 6:30
Bill Coleman
5     Colemanology 5:11
Bill Coleman
6     Have Blues Will Play 'Em 9:46
Bill Coleman
Credits :
Double Bass – Buddy Catlett
Drums – Joe Harris
Guitar – Les Spann
Piano – Patti Bown
Saxophone [Tenor] – Budd Johnson
Trombone – Quentin Jackson
Trumpet, Written-By – Bill Coleman
Nota :
Recorded January 21 and 22, 1960 in Paris
Reissue of the Brunswick LP 87 905 

CHET BAKER – Broken Wing (1978-2001) RM | Serie Jazz In Paris – 8 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Chet Baker's personalized style was well served later in his life, and as his days in Europe were more conducive to his personal lifestyle, it also gave his music a chamber-like quality while maintaining modern mainstream values. Broken Wing is a combination of the two aspects of Baker's understated romanticism, the deep-seeded pain through his drug abuse and the humanity that lies underneath the rough-hewn surface of his tattered heart. This quartet combines the advanced melodic gifts of pianist Phil Markowitz, the great French bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark, and lesser-known but tasteful drummer Jeff Brillinger, from studio sessions done in Paris in 1978. The tracks are extended because of solos, done mostly by Baker, split between standards and originals penned by the trumpeter, Richie Beirach, and Wayne Shorter. Baker sings on one cut, the lesser-known standard "Oh, You Crazy Moon," with an elusive quality that parallels the specious and ineffable quality of our late-night light in the sky. Fairly lengthy versions of "How Deep Is the Ocean?" and Baker's "Blue Gilles" allow the trumpeter and especially the marvelous Markowitz to stretch out and solo, as they have a streaming flow of improvisational ideas to release. Beirach's "Broken Wing" is particular poignant, deep, and modern, a pretty but sad ballad waltz where Baker's muted trumpet echoes Miles Davis in a forward-thinking style. The lesser-known piece written by Wayne Shorter, "Black Eyes" is in another arena especially for Baker -- marginally harmonic in a light bossa mood, spare, effortless, and compacted within its interplay from the four members. This is not so much an unusual recording from Baker in that his risk-taking is never pronounced or that his soul is completely bared. The document of a short-lived group, it's an interesting effort, well crafted and standing solidly with other items in his latter-period discography. Broken Wing has been reissued on CD from Inner City Records; it should also be noted that Universal has issued this recording with two alternate takes, comprising another quarter hour of music. Either item will suffice to satisfy Baker's fans. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1 Broken Wing 7:08
Written-By – Richard Beirach
2 Black Eyes 8:35
Written-By – Wayne Shorter
3 Oh You Crazy Moon 7:02
Written-By – Johnny Burke / Jimmy Van Heusen
4 How Deep Is The Ocean 10:08
Written-By – Irving Berlin
5 Blue Gilles 11:13
Written-By – Chet Baker
6 Black Eyes (Alternative Take) 8:46
Written-By – Wayne Shorter
7 How Deep Is The Ocean (Alternative Take) 8:33
Written-By – Irving Berlin
Credits :
 Bass – Jean-François Jenny-Clark
 Drums – Jeff Brillinger
 Piano – Phil Markowitz
 Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker
Nota :
Number 08 of the Jazz in Paris series, although for some reason excluded from the series box set.
Reissue of LP 16 685, recorded Paris, December 28,1978.

DIZZY GILLESPIE - The Giant (1973-2000) Jazz In Paris 9 | RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1973 Paris studio session first appeared on the European label America as The Giant, but there has been some confusion as various combinations of songs have appeared under the same album title with Dizzy Gillespie's name over the years. Although rather brief in length with just five tracks and clocking in at under 34 minutes, this lively date has some strengths. The trumpeter turns over the solo spotlight to the extraordinary bassist Niels Pedersen and pianist Kenny Drew, prior to featuring himself in brief spurts with drum breaks by Kenny Clarke. Pedersen's fine arco technique introduces the brief ballad "I Waited for You," in which Gillespie is clearly at the top of his game. His muted horn saunters over Clarke's crisp brushwork during "Girl of My Dreams," although the overlong Latin original "Fiesta Mojo" quickly grows tiresome, in spite of a guest appearance by tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin. Drew contributed the lush ballad "Serenity," which closes the CD. It's obvious that Dizzy Gillespie's chops are just starting to slip at this point in his career, but fans of his work will want to pick up this enjoyable reissue, as Gillespie at 90 percent is far more listenable than many well-known trumpeters at 100 percent. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Stella by Starlight 7:52
Ned Washington / Victor Young
2     I Waited for You 3:52
Gil Fuller / Dizzy Gillespie
3     Girl of My Dreams 5:38
Sunny Clapp
4     Fiesta Mojo 11:27
Dizzy Gillespie
5     Serenity 5:10
Kenny Drew
Credits :
Double Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Drums – Kenny Clarke
Percussion [Tumbas] – Humberto Canto
Piano – Kenny Drew
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie
Nota :
Reissue of the America LP 6133.
Recorded April 13, 1973 in Paris.
 

SLIDE HAMPTON - Exodus (1962-2000) Jazz In Paris 10/ RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trombonist Slide Hampton, just 30 years old at the time of this octet session in Paris, had already developed into a forward-thinking arranger. Scoring a mix of standards and well-known jazz compositions for a group that included two trombones, two trumpets, tenor sax, baritone sax, bass, and drums, Hampton's stunning interpretation of "Exodus" (from the film of the same name) still sounds very fresh decades later. The brisk "Star Eyes" might suggest the so-called "cool" players of the 1950s, featuring excellent solos by trumpeter Richard Williams and bassist Butch Warren. Baritone saxophonist Jay Cameron shines in "Confirmation," while the leader explodes in a powerful rendition of "Moment's Notice." Finally reissued as a part of Verve International's wide-ranging Jazz in Paris series, fans of the trombone will definitely want to acquire this very reasonably priced CD. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Exodus 3:48
Ernest Gold
2     Star Eyes 8:45
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
3     Confirmation 12:21
Charlie Parker
4     Moment's Notice 3:29
John Coltrane
5     I'll Take Romance 3:40
Oscar Hammerstein II / Ben Oakland
6     I Remember Clifford 5:10
Benny Golson
7     Straight, No Chaser 8:37
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Arranged By – Slide Hampton
Baritone Saxophone – Jay Cameron
Bass – Butch Warren
Drums – Vinnie Ruggiero
Tenor Saxophone – George Coleman
Trombone – Benjamin Jacobs-El, Slide Hampton
Trumpet – Nat Pavone, Richard Williams
Nota :
Artist also listed as Slide Hampton Octet.
Recorded November 14 (3, 4, 6) and 18 (1, 2, 5, 7), 1962 in Paris.
Reissue of the Philips LP 77 915.
 

DJANGO REINHARDT - Django Et Compagnie (2000) Jazz In Paris 11 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Django Reinhardt is exclusively a sideman in this compilation of recordings made with various French bands and singers during the 1930s. The instrumental tracks are okay, especially those with violinist Michel Warlop's orchestra, even if Warlop is no match for Stéphane Grappelli. The final two instrumental tracks by Wal-Berg & Son are a mystery, as Django is not among the credited musicians. The vocal tracks are another matter. Nina Rette's vocals, dominated by her bird-like vibrato, mar her work with Reinhardt and Grappelli. Reinhardt isn't even listed in the session by singer Andre Pasdoc (if he isn't present, why is it included?); no matter, as this pair of songs deserve to remain obscure. No better are the tracks by long forgotten singers Yvonne Louis or Micheline Day. Frankly, any fan of the genius of Django Reinhardt is advised to look for works recorded under his own name or by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, as these mostly mediocre French pop songs are difficult to sit through just to enjoy an occasional brief run or solo by the masterful guitarist. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Cloud Castles    3:13
2    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Magic Strings    3:27
3    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Sweet Serenade    3:11
4    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Crazy Strings    3:24
5    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Novel Pets    3:30
6    Michel Warlop & Son Orchestre–    Budding Dancers    2:40
7    Nitta Rette Et Son Trio Hot–    Points Roses    2:50
Wal Berg
8    Nitta Rette Et Son Trio Hot–    Un Instant D'Infini    3:29
Wal Berg
9    Nitta Rette Et Son Trio Hot–    Mon Cœur Reste Près De Toi    3:10
Henri Lemarchand / Emil Stern
10    André Pasdoc–    Pourquoi, Pourquoi?... 2:57
Michel Emer
Accompanied By – L'Orchestre Vola
11    André Pasdoc–    Vivre Pour Toi 3:16
Accompanied By – L'Orchestre Vola
12    Yvonne Louis–    Mirages (Chasing Shadows) 2:57
Benny Davis / Abner Silver
Accompanied By – L'Orchestre Vola
13    Yvonne Louis–    Au Grand Large 3:13
Bob Frankie
Violin – Sylvio Schmidt
14    Micheline Day Et Son Quatuor Swing–    Y A Du Soleil Dans La Boutique    3:00
Darc Mireille / Jean Franc Nohain
15    Micheline Day Et Son Quatuor Swing–    Chéri, Est-ce Que Tu M'aimes?    3:29
16    Wal-Berg Et Son Jazz Français–    Horizons Nouveaux    3:15
Wal Berg
17    Wal-Berg Et Son Jazz Français–    Love Again    2:55
Wal Berg
Credits :
Accordion – Louis Vola (faixas: 10, 11, 13)
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Maurice Cizeron (faixas: 1 to 6)
Double Bass – Louis Vola (faixas: 1 to 6, 14, 15), Roger Allier (faixas: 16, 17)
Drums – Maurice Chaillou (faixas: 16, 17)
Guitar – Django Reinhardt (faixas: 1 to 9, 12 to 15), Henri Schaap (faixas: 14, 15), Joseph Reinhardt (faixas: 1 to 6, 10 to 12), Roger Chaput (faixas: 16, 17)
Piano – Emil Stern (faixas: 1 to 9, 14, 15), Michel Emer (faixas: 13 to 15)
Saxophone – Alix Combelle (faixas: 16, 17), André Ekyan (faixas: 16, 17), André Lamory (faixas: 16, 17)
Tenor Saxophone – Alix Combelle (faixas: 1 to 6)
Trombone – Eugène D'Hellemes (faixas: 16, 17)
Trumpet – Alex Renard (faixas: 1 to 6, 16, 17), Pierre Allier (faixas: 16, 17)
Violin – Michel Warlop (faixas: 1 to 6, 10 to 12), Stéphane Grappelli (faixas: 7 to 11, 13 to 15)
Vocals – André Pasdoc (faixas: 10, 11), Micheline Day (faixas: 14, 15), Nitta Rette (faixas: 7 to 9), Yvonne Louis (faixas: 12, 13)
Nota :
Credits for tracks 14 & 15 are either Stern or Emer on piano and either Reinhardt or Schaap on guitar.
Sylvio Schmidt probably plays violin on track 13.
Recorded in Paris on April 17, 1936 (1-6), September 2 or 6, 1935 (7-9), October 13, 1935 (10-12), March 12, 1936 (13), October 26, 1937 (14-15), March 12, 1935 (16-17)
Reissue of the Polydor LP 2489 188

DJANGO REINHARDT - Swing from Paris (2000) Jazz In Paris 12 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    St. Louis Blues 3:27
Written-By – William Christopher Handy
2    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Limehouse Blues 3:08
Written-By – Douglas Furber, Philip Braham
3    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    I Got Rhythm 2:54
Written-By – Ira And George Gershwin
4    Stéphane Grappelli And His Hot Four–    I've Found A New Baby 3:02
Written-By – Jack Palmer, Spencer Williams
5    Stéphane Grappelli And His Hot Four–    It Was So Beautiful 2:49
Written-By – Arthur Freed, Harry Barris
6    Stéphane Grappelli And His Hot Four–    China Boy 2:59
Written-By – Dick Winfree, Phil Boutelje
7    Stéphane Grappelli And His Hot Four–    Moonglow 2:59
Written-By – Eddie Delange, Irving Mills, Will Hudson
8    Stéphane Grappelli And His Hot Four–    It Don't Mean A Thing 3:01
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
9    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Billets Doux 2:52
Written-By – Maurice Yvain
10    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Swing From Paris    2:29
Written-By – Stéphane Grappelli
11    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Them There Eyes 3:00
Written-By – Doris Tauber, Maceo Pinkard, William Tracey
12    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Three Little Words 2:50
Written-By – Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby
13    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Appel Direct    2:58
Written-By – Stéphane Grappelli
14    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Hungaria    2:46
Written-By – Stéphane Grappelli
15    Quintette Du Hot Club De France–    Hungaria    2:45
Written-By – Stéphane Grappelli / Django Reinhardt
Credits :
Double Bass – Antonio "Tony" Rovira (faixas: 4 to 8), Emmanuel Soudieux (faixas: 14, 15), Louis Vola (faixas: 1 to 3), Roger Grasset (faixas: 9 to 13)
Guitar – Eugène Vées (faixas: 9 to 13), Joseph Reinhardt, Pierre "Baro" Ferret* (faixas: 1 to 8, 14, 15)
Lead Guitar – Django Reinhardt
Violin – Stéphane Grappelli
Written-By – Django Reinhardt (faixas: 10, 13 to 15), Stéphane Grappelli (faixas: 10, 13 to 15)
Nota :
Recorded in Paris on 30 September 1935 (1), 13 October 1935 (2, 3), 21 October 1935 (4 to 8), 14 June 1938 (9 to 13), 21 March 1939 (14, 15).
Reissue of the Decca 78rpm discs 5824, 5780, 5943, 5831, 7568, 6899, 6875 and 7198. 

DJANGO REINHARDT - Swing 39 (1939-2000) Jazz In Paris 13 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is something carefree and joyful about the music of Django Reinhardt; something that comes bubbling to the surface every time he begins a wild run of notes on his acoustic guitar. Of course the swinging style of Stephane Grappelli's violin doesn't hurt. Nor do great songs like "Tea for Two," "My Melancholy Baby," and "Jeepers Creepers." Swing 39 captures 17 tracks by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, including a number of alternate versions, on the eve of Grappelli leaving the group (because of the war). Two bouncy versions of "Jeepers Creepers" start things off, and while the pacing of both cuts is similar, each guitar solo is fresh and fundamentally different. Reinhardt creates endless variety through his ability to solo with chords or single notes, bend strings, and constantly alter the tempo. The band transforms two versions of "I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight" (usually a sad thing to wonder) into bright and cheerful melodies, and magically reworks "Tea for Two" three times. The last version of "Tea for Two" slows the pace, adds 30 seconds, and fully captures the romanticism of the piece. Reinhardt swings hard, adding little runs and minor-key flourishes on two originals, "Twelfth Year" and "Hungaria." "Hungaria" receives a particularly engaging workout, with the master assertively developing his lead lines, each building from the last but always expressing new ideas. For those unfamiliar with Reinhardt's fabulous guitar (shame on you!), Swing 39 offers a great place to get started. Fans will enjoy dissecting and comparing the multiple takes. Either way, this is a fine album, with Reinhardt and Grappelli sounding simply marvelous. by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.  
Tracklist :
1     Jeepers Creepers 3:16
Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren
2     Jeepers Creepers 3:15
Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren
3     Swing '39 3:21
Stéphane Grappelli / Django Reinhardt
4     Japanese Sandman 2:41
Raymond B. Egan / Richard A. Whiting
5     I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight 3:04
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
6     I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight 3:10
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
7     Tea for Two 2:52
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
8     Tea for Two 2:54
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
9     My Melancholy Baby 3:24
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
10     Time on My Hands 2:43
Harold Adamson / Mack Gordon / Vincent Youmans
11     Twelfth Year 2:41
Stéphane Grappelli / Django Reinhardt
12     Twelfth Year 2:42
Stéphane Grappelli / Django Reinhardt
13     My Melancholy Baby 2:50
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
14     Japanese Sandman 3:09
Raymond B. Egan / Richard A. Whiting
15     Tea for Two 3:16
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
16     I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight 2:48
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
17     Hungaria 2:46
Stéphane Grappelli / Django Reinhardt
Credits :
Double Bass – Emmanuel Soudieux
Ensemble – Quintette Du Hot Club De France
Guitar – Joseph Reinhardt, Pierre "Barro" Ferret
Lead Guitar – Django Reinhardt
Violin – Stéphane Grappelli
Nota :
Recorded in Paris in 1939 on March 21 (1-6), March 23 (7-13) and May 17 (14-18)
Reissue of the Decca 78rpm discs 5780, 5824, 5831, 5943, 6875, 6899, 7198 and 7568

MARY LOU WILLIAMS - I Made You Love Paris (1954-2000) Jazz In Paris 14 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mary Lou Williams spent a fair amount of time in Europe in the early '50s, prior to a temporary hiatus from jazz. This CD from Verve's Jazz in Paris series compiles two separate sessions from 1954; one features a trio, a quintet, and a pair of vocals by blues singer Beryl Bryden, and the other is purely a trio. All of the selections are fairly brief, with only one running over three-and-a-half minutes. The first 11 songs are a bit of a mixed bag. The strongest tracks feature Williams alone ("I Made You Love Paris" and her "Club Francais Blues") or with her trio ("Avalon," "Swingin' for the Guys," and "Memories of You"). Weaker are the four tracks with trumpeter Nelson Williams and tenor saxophonist Ray Lawrence, who aren't up to the playing level of horn players who typically worked with the pianist, though bassist Buddy Banks somewhat makes up for their shortcomings by contributing an enjoyable original ("Leg'n Lou") and a strong solo. Least important is the pair of vocals by Bryden, including a cover of bluesman Piano Red's "Rock Me" and Trixie Smith's "Freight Train Blues." The eight tracks from the other session are more consistent. With Banks again in tow and drummer Jean-Louis Viale, Williams sounds more relaxed and less encumbered during a set that is heavily weighted with standards like "There's a Small Hotel," "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," "Lover," and "Autumn in New York." An obscure, oddly constructed blues by the pianist, "Nicole," is also well worth hearing. This is hardly among the best recordings from Williams' long career, but with a paucity of CD reissues of her work,  by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1     Avalon 2:36
Buddy DeSylva / Al Jolson / Vincent Rose
2     Scratchin' in the Gravel 3:36
Mary Lou Williams
3     Rock Me 3:11
William Lee Perrymen
4     I Made You Love Paris 2:34
Robert Perrier      
5     Nancy Is in Love With the Colonel 3:12
Mary Lou Williams
6     Swingin' for the Guys 2:30
Oscar Pettiford / Mary Lou Williams
7     Club Français Blues 3:25
Mary Lou Williams
8     Freight Train Blues 3:13
Mary Lou Williams
9     Memories of You 3:11
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf
10     Leg'n Lou 2:58
Buddy Banks
11     Mary Lou Blues 2:52
Mary Lou Williams
12     Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 2:17
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
13     There's a Small Hotel 3:12
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
14     En Ce Temps-Là 3:21
Charles Trénet
15     Lover 3:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
16     Carioca 2:40
Edward Eliscu / Gus Kahn / Vincent Youmans
17     Nicole 3:11
Mary Lou Williams
18     Tire Tire l'Aiguille 3:25
Eddie Barclay / Emil Stern
19     Autumn in New York 2:31
Vernon Duke
Credits :
Double Bass – Buddy Banks
Drums – Jean-Louis Viale (faixas: 12 to 19), Kansas Field (faixas: 1, 2, 4 to 7, 9 to 11)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Ray Lawrence (faixas: 2, 5, 10, 11)
Trumpet – Nelson Williams (faixas: 2, 5, 10, 11)
Nota :
Recorded 1954 in Paris.
Tracks 1-10: reissue of the Club Français du Disque 10" LP 12.
Track 11: extract from the Club Français du Disque EP 6 "Vacances nº 2".
Tracks 12-19: reissue of the Blue Star 10" LP 6842, recorded at the Pathé-Pelouze Studio, January 14th.