Gigi Kopp

Gigi Gryce - Nica's Tempo (1955) {Savoy Jazz Japan, Mini LP, CY-18057 rel 1998}
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© 1955, 1998 Savoy Jazz / Denon Records Japan | CY-18057
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Oh…if these sessions could have only been issued in separate long forms with the bands that are included. Nica's Tempo comprises six tracks with Gigi Gryce's groundbreaking big band, and another four ostensibly as a member of the Thelonious Monk quartet, all from 1955. Each band showcases the estimable compositional and arranging genius of Gryce, as well as his unique sound on the alto saxophone. In this CD format, the music serves a purpose in displaying Gryce's many talents, but ultimately leaves the listener wanting more. What the orchestra tracks offer in terms of an advanced concept paired with extraordinary musicianship is indisputably brilliant.

Gigi Gryce Orch-tette - Reminiscin' (1960) {2013 Japan Jazz The Best Series 24-bit Remaster UCCU-9963}
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© 1960, 2013 Mercury / Verve / Universal Japan | UCCU-9963
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

A great lost date from the wonderful Gigi Gryce – a set that features the altoist in an sextet, but often swinging with a looser vibe than on some of his better-known albums from the 50s! There's a mix of soulful and modern here that's not unlike the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet – both players of Gryce's same postwar generation, and coincidentally recording for Mercury at the same time. Although the groove here is definitely different – less emphasis on the bottom, and more on the top – not just Gryce's wonderfully raspy alto, but also the trumpet of Richard Williams too. All other players are great as well – and Eddie Costa brings in some sweet vibes – in a lineup that also features Richard Wyands on piano, and either Reggie Workman or George Duvivier on bass, and either Walter Perkins or Bob Thomas on drums. Tracks include "Reminiscing", "Gee Blues Gee", "Blue Light", and "Night In Tunisia".

Lucky Thompson & Gigi Gryce - Street Scenes (1993) {RCA–Vogue 74321154672 rec 1953-1956}
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© 1953-56, 1993 RCA / Vogue / Disques Vogue | 74321154672 | American Jazz In Paris Series
Jazz / Bebop / Straight-ahead jazz / Saxophone

Tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson recorded enough material as a leader during the first half of 1956 (mostly in Paris) to fill up 12 LPs. This CD has music from two of his rarer sessions, featuring Thompson playing 12 songs (ten of which are his originals) with a French octet that includes pianist Martial Solal and some fine sidemen; these sessions were last available as the Xanadu LP Brown Rose. Thompson's warm tenor is well showcased at a variety of tempoes during the high-quality music.