Gitanes

Raymond Fol Big Band - Les 4 saisons (1965) {Gitanes 548 791-2 rel 2001}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 198 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 86 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 30 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1965, 2001 EmArcy / Universal / Gitanes | 548 791-2 | Jazz in Paris 66
Jazz / Big Band / Bop

Raymond Fol's jazz arrangement of Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" may have fallen into obscurity, but the French pianist's big band scoring of this classical favorite shows plenty of imagination. With a band of his fellow countrymen, along with expatriate Americans Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), bassist Jimmy Woode, and drummer Art Taylor, he casts a variety of moods, even within individual sections. In the first movement of "Le Printemps (The Spring)" he chooses an Afro-Cuban mood, while the second shifts to a smaller chamber jazz setting, showcasing guitarist Pierre Cullaz, vibraphonist Sadi, and the leader in turn.

Lionel Hampton - Lionel Hampton and His French New Sound, Vol.1 (1955) {Gitanes 549 405-2 rel 2000}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 238 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 91 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 30 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1955, 2000 EmArcy / Universal / Gitanes | 549 405-2
Jazz / Bop / Swing / Vibes

Lionel Hampton joins forces with a number of top French musicians for this 1955 studio session, reissued in Verve's Jazz in Paris series. Three of the four compositions are Hampton's, swinging tunes arranged by Christian Chevalier. The first, "Voice of the North," is primarily for the leader's matchless vibes with the rhythm section, though individual soloists are featured, including fellow Americans Nat Adderley and Benny Bailey on trumpets and David Amram on French horn, as well as clarinetist Maurice Meunier and baritone saxophonist William Boucaya. It's just Hampton and the rhythm section (pianist René Urtreger, bassist Guy Pedersen, and drummer Jean-Baptiste Reilles) for the long workout of "À la French." The one standard of the date, "Crazy Rhythm," suffers from somewhat muddy sound, particularly the overly distant brass. Guitarist Sacha Distel, though admittedly intimidated by Hampton, rises to the leader's level of playing with a fine solo. Overall, this is an enjoyable if not quite essential CD by Lionel Hampton.

Lionel Hampton - Lionel Hampton and His French New Sound, Vol.2 (1955) {Gitanes 549 406-2 rel 2000}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 249 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 100 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 29 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1955, 2000 EmArcy / Universal / Gitanes | 549 406-2
Jazz / Bop / Swing / Vibes

Lionel Hampton is joined by a number of top French jazz musicians plus Nat Adderley and American expatriate Benny Bailey for this 1955 studio session, playing Christian Chevalier's charts. "All the Things You Are" features the vibraphonist with the rhythm section, with strong solo efforts by guitarist Sacha Distel and pianist René Urtreger, along with the leader. The low-key, lengthy treatment of "I Cover the Waterfront" almost suggests a Jazz at the Philharmonic session, showcasing nice features for trumpeter Bernard Hullin, tenor saxophonist Maurice Meunier, Urtreger, and Hampton.

Hank Jones - Upon Reflection, The Music Of Thad Jones (1993) {Verve–Gitanes 314514898-2}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (image)+CUE+LOG -> 389 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 169 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 44 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1993 Verve / Gitanes | 314 514 898-2
Jazz / Bop / Post Bop / Piano

This recording is dedicated to the memory and compositions of the late trumpeter/composer Thad Jones, younger brother to pianist Hank Jones, older brother to drummer Elvin Jones. Out of print in the U.S. 1994 release from the Jazz piano great finds Hank, alongside George Mraz and brother Elvin, paying tribute to his younger brother, the late trumpeter Thad Jones. 10 tracks including 'Thad's Pad', 'Lady Luck' and 'Mean What You Say'.