Barney Wilen Jazz Sur Seine (1958)

Tenor saxophonist Barney Wilen was not quite 21 years old at the time of this meeting withMilt Jackson, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke, three veterans of the Modern Jazz Quartet. But the young man is surprising mature and confident throughout the session, interpreting several of Django Reinhardt's compositions, along with a few by his French contemporaries and a pair of his own works. What's surprising about this session is the rare opportunity to hear Jackson exclusively as a pianist, as his playing is a bit more reserved than on vibes. The leader digs into his rhythm section's element with his original "B.B.B. (Bag's Barney Blues)," giving them a full chorus before making a convincing statement himself. The quartet's fluid arrangement of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" swings. Percussionist Gana M'Bow is added for both "Swing 39" and "Minor Swing" to add an exotic touch. Wilen easily holds his own on his first major meeting on a record date with major American jazz stars.

Ken Dryden

http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-in-paris-jazz-sur-seine-r537868

Barney Wilen (ts) Milt Jackson (p) Percy Heath (b) Kenny Clarke (d) 

Gana M'Bow (perc)

1. Swing 39

2.Vamp

3. Menilmontant

4. John's Groove

5. B.B.B. (Bag's Barney Blues)

6. Swingin' Paris Rhythm (Jazz Sur Seine)

7. J'ai Ta Main

8. Nuages

9. La Route Enchantee

10. Que Reste T'il De Nos Amour

11. Minor Swing

12. Epistrophy