Paris 80

BBE Records proudly presents its 5th and arguably most exciting compilation with the French dj and ambassador of disco, Dimitri from Paris. This compilation focuses on Dimitri’s essential disco era tracks - made in Philadelphia, that feature the core of the rhythm section that created and defined the sound of the genre. For this compilation Dimitri has exclusively reworked 5 tracks from the original multitrack tapes of Gamble and Huff with a further 4 being edited from the original 2 track stereo masters.

For some reason, the Jazz in Paris series has put together a collection of music featuring these three vocalists. Except for the fact that all three recorded in Paris, there appears to be little connection. The music is still excellent however. The first 8 tracks by Harold Nicholas show off his excellence in covering standards. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", with its last verse in French, is a highlight. June Richmond, accompanied by the Quincy Jones Orchestra, sings "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues" through "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea". Excellent renditions all. The last two tracks, by Henry Bey and the Bey Sisters, are nice, but give only a small introduction to their music.

"Paris Blues" features a 1957 meeting between saxophonist Lucky Thompson and the king of barrelhouse, Sammy Price. The two are backed by an excellent French band featuring guitar, double bass and traps. Hailing from the glorious era, this music is a remarkable expression of the bliss that can happen when Jazz and Blues become one. The album kicks off with, 'I Want A Little Girl.' It's one of a handful of songs with Sammy Price on vocals. His Blues singing is fantastic! Afterwards, the title track begins with a boogie-woogie piano solo. Before long, the band jumps on and joins Price. In this piece and through the album, Jean-Pierre Sasson's electric guitar work is superb. 'Up Above My Head' is a lively tune with Price's jovial vocals…

Zoot and trumpeter Jon Eardley were in Paris in 1956 as part of the Gerry Mulligan Sextet which performed at the Olympia. They took time off to record on their own in the studios. Tracks 1-4 released on French 10 inch LP were actually a rehearsal with the Henri Renaud trio which was deemed good enough to release. The rest of this Jazz In Paris CD features a Live set by the Henri Renaud ensemble complete with vibes and guitar dwarfing the saxes, and a loud but not unruly audience.