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
