While mostly ignored by Americans at the time, Paris in the 1950s and 60s had a thriving jazz scene. Don’t forget that Miles Davis recorded his famous soundtrack for the French film noir Ascenseur Pour L’echafaud in 1958 to give a hint of the city’s feel for modern jazz. These two albums show that the Left Bank could hold its own against 52nd Street.
Pianist Maurice Vander was a Bud Powell disciple, leading a pair of trios on this single disc. His first trio with Benoit Quersin/b and Jacques David/dr from 1955-66 shows a heart of a bebopper as on “There WilL Never Be Another You” and a rich display of chords for “Autumn in New York” while his intro to “I Remember You” is ebullient and melodic. His 1961 trio with all stars Pierre Michelot/b and ex-pat Kenny Clarke/dr includes a sublime “Because of You” classy “Night and Day” and crispy “Cheek to Cheek.” Most interesting is to compare the two reads by the different bands on “My Funny Valentine” as Vander’s interpretations are completely different, as he’s chimey on the early take and suave on the latter. A real artist!
Tenor saxist Guy Lafitte had a rich sound heavily influenced by Coleman Hawkins, with a dash of Lester Young thrown in for modern flavor. These sessions from 1956-62 capture him in quartet and sextet formats, and even include vocalist Kenny Hagood for a handful of hip tracks. Lafitte’s rich sound bounces with delight on “Three Little Words” and is breathy for the sublime “Sugar” while Paul Rovere’s bass is dreamy teamed with the leader on “It’s the Talk of the Town.” Hagood delivers a rich bel canto on “Body and Soul” and gets down and earthy for “Lonesome Lover Blues.” Of the sestet material, Lafitte is melancholy during “All Too Soon” and the sextet swings with heat for “ The Jeep Is Jumpin’.” Pianist Raymond Fol is suave for “The Mill and the River” and Lafitte’s own “Queenie” is a sporty joy. If you’re a fan of the Selmer Mark VI, this is a must have.
For both of these discs, the liner notes are invaluable in putting a perspective on each artist, giving a rich background to appreciate the music even more.