Movability Martial Solal

This here is the definition of international jazz, recorded in Paris in 1956 by two relaxed, unpretentious, melodic, and well-rehearsed groups including both American and European jazz musicians. These meetings were documented in two excellent albums: “Jazz on the Left Bank” and “Réunion à Paris.”

The musicianship of the three players, as well as the mastery of their respective instruments, is out of question. However, this album is clearly oriented by Solal's approach to jazz, which sometimes is difficult to follow. At times introspective, at times technically overwhelming, the angularities of his playing are reserved to those specialists who really appreciate him. On the other hand, the lack of commercialism deserves full respect. And it is surely useful for those interested in instrumental technique, for the piano, bass or drums.

Solal remains one of the most inventive, brilliant, and woefully underappreciated pianists in modern jazz. This CD should serve further notice as to his genius in completely reshaping and reinventing standards with the poetic fervor of a restless soul. Bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Paul Motian contribute mightily to Solal's raised temperature and metamorphosed rhythmic and harmonic notions, values he alone should be allowed to define. The proof is in the listening. Six of the nine pieces are standards, and if thought you'd never hear a fresh take of "Round 'Bout Midnight," here it is. Intentionally convoluted, more angular than Monk, Solal, completely off the cuff, molds this well-wrought melody in a 20th-century modernism that defies any standard nomenclature…

Despite the many recordings Lee Konitz has made either as a leader or as a sideman - they number well over 100 - there is no date, with possible exceptions of Motion and Lone-Lee, that can touch this live duet setting for breaking new ground. Given his apprenticeship with Lennie Tristano, Konitz is well-known for his melodic improvising and his ability to re-conceptualize a tune. But what happens here, with Martial Solal's dramatic, often theatrical style of piano playing, is the extension of Konitz's own abilities to visualize inherently what is possible within a given framework…

French pianist, composer, and bandleader Martial Solal's intuitive approach to improvisation has earned him an honored place among the greatest minds in all of jazz. Thoroughly versed in the tradition from New Orleans (he worked extensively with Sidney Bechet) to big-band swing to bop to post-bop and beyond, Solal has also composed chamber music, written scores for more than 20 films, and recorded more than 70 albums as soloist and leader. For more than 60 years, Solal has personified the cross-pollinated splendor of European jazz by utilizing styles and influences from both sides of the Atlantic to generate and sustain musical ideas that almost invariably come across as intelligent, pleasant, and gratifying.

Lee Konitz's initial recording session with pianist Martial Solal produced two albums (the other one is European Episode), including alternate versions of several songs. With bassist Henri Texier and drummer Daniel Humair rounding out the lineup, the quartet tackles a rapid-fire take of "Anthropology" and a somewhat spacy interpretation of "Lover Man." Two pieces are credited to an Italian composer. "Impressive Rome" is a bit meandering with a haunting air, while the more straight-ahead "Roman Blues" features the alto saxophonist's best solo work of the date. The one duet is "Stella by Starlight," in which Solal plays some wild lines to back Konitz, making it far more memorable than typical arrangements of this standard. This was a great beginning to an occasional partnership that lasted into the early '80s and produced several more albums.

Martial Solal - The Vogue Recordings, Volume 2: Trios & Solos (1954-56) {Discues Vogue 74321115152 rel 1993}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 283 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 134 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 16 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1954-1956, 1993 Discues Vogue | 74321115152
Jazz / Bop / Cool / Piano

One of the finest European jazz pianists of all time, Martial Solal (a unique stylist) has never received as much recognition in the U.S. as he deserves. Born in Algiers to French parents, Solal has been based in Paris since the late '40s. Although a modernist, he was flexible enough to record an album with Sidney Bechet in 1957 and make other records with Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, and Lucky Thompson. Solal has been primarily heard with his own trios through the years although he has recorded several notable albums with Lee Konitz.

Martial Solal - The Vogue Recordings, Volume 3: Trio & Big Band (1955-58) {Discues Vogue 74321131112 rel 1993}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 259 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 106 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 14 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1955-1958, 1993 Discues Vogue | 74321131112
Jazz / Bop / Cool / Big Band / Piano

One of the finest European jazz pianists of all time, Martial Solal (a unique stylist) has never received as much recognition in the U.S. as he deserves. Born in Algiers to French parents, Solal has been based in Paris since the late '40s. Although a modernist, he was flexible enough to record an album with Sidney Bechet in 1957 and make other records with Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, and Lucky Thompson. Solal has been primarily heard with his own trios through the years although he has recorded several notable albums with Lee Konitz.

Martial Solal - The Vogue Recordings, Volume 1: Trios & Quartet (1953-56) {Discues Vogue 74321115142 rel 1993}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 371 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 145 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 18 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1953-1956, 1993 Discues Vogue | 74321115142
Jazz / Bop / Cool / Piano

One of the finest European jazz pianists of all time, Martial Solal (a unique stylist) has never received as much recognition in the U.S. as he deserves. Born in Algiers to French parents, Solal has been based in Paris since the late '40s. Although a modernist, he was flexible enough to record an album with Sidney Bechet in 1957 and make other records with Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, and Lucky Thompson. Solal has been primarily heard with his own trios through the years although he has recorded several notable albums with Lee Konitz.