Paris 80

The title Paris Days, Berlin Nights is a little misleading. One might expect French songs about morning-after regrets and German ones about living cynically hedonistically, but this collection goes way beyond that. It includes songs about war, abandonment, the indifference of time to human suffering, and gritty street life, with music by Piazzolla and Polish-Jewish composer Chava Alberstein in addition to the expected Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, and Jacques Brel.

Django Reinhardt is exclusively a sideman in this compilation of recordings made with various French bands and singers during the 1930s. The instrumental tracks are okay, especially those with violinist Michel Warlop's orchestra, even if Warlop is no match for Stéphane Grappelli. The final two instrumental tracks by Wal-Berg & Son are a mystery, as Django is not among the credited musicians. The vocal tracks are another matter. Nina Rette's vocals, dominated by her bird-like vibrato, mar her work with Reinhardt and Grappelli. Reinhardt isn't even listed in the session by singer Andre Pasdoc (if he isn't present, why is it included?); no matter, as this pair of songs deserve to remain obscure. No better are the tracks by long forgotten singers Yvonne Louis or Micheline Day…

John Zorn - The Hermetic Organ, Vol. 5 - Philharmonie de Paris (2017) {TZ 8357}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 321 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 173 Mb | Artwork | 5% repair rar
© 2017 Tzadik | TZ 8357 | Tzadik Archival Series
Classical / Avant-Garde / Modern Classical / Improvisation / Organ

John Zorn returns to his original instrument with a new volume of organ improvisations recorded at his infamous Weekend in Paris in April 2017. The organ at the Grand Salle Pierre Boulez is one of the most powerful and versatile in France, and Zorn approaches it with great sensitivity and wild abandon. Includes both the full 40 minute concert recording, and over 30 additional minutes of Zorn alone at the manuals in rehearsal the same day.

There is something carefree and joyful about the music of Django Reinhardt; something that comes bubbling to the surface every time he begins a wild run of notes on his acoustic guitar. Of course the swinging style of Stephane Grappelli's violin doesn't hurt. Nor do great songs like "Tea for Two," "My Melancholy Baby," and "Jeepers Creepers." Swing 39 captures 17 tracks by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, including a number of alternate versions, on the eve of Grappelli leaving the group (because of the war). Two bouncy versions of "Jeepers Creepers" start things off, and while the pacing of both cuts is similar, each guitar solo is fresh and fundamentally different. Reinhardt creates endless variety through his ability to solo with chords or single notes, bend strings, and constantly alter the tempo…

Don Byas was a giant of the tenor sax, though his accomplishments were all but overlooked in his native land once he moved to Europe for good. This CD from Universal Music's Jazz in Paris series compiles three separate studio sessions from the early '50s, all with different rhythm sections. Most of the tracks are standard ballads, featuring the leader throughout. His expressive take of "Laura" shows off a big tone with a bit of vibrato much like Ben Webster in his later years. The one original is his snappy "Riviera Blues," a lively number likely improvised on the spot. Had he remained in the U.S., it is possible that Don Byas might have been ranked along with Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Ben Webster in the top echelon of tenor saxophonists, so anyone unfamiliar with his work should seek out this very affordable collection.