Jef Gilson - Gilson Et Malagasy [4CD Deluxe Edition] (2014)

RSD 2014 release. Over recent years, Jazzman has delved deep into the life and work of the late French jazz pioneer Jef Gilson. The outcome has been two double albums featuring the best of his life's work, and has included many previously-unreleased tracks. As well as spending his days (and nights) composing, recording, producing, arranging and performing, part of Gilson's life involved the study and exploration of music, and in the late 1960s his curiosity led him to the ex-French colony of Madagascar, the island just off the south eastern coast of Africa. Indeed, Gilson was fascinated by all kinds of music, not just jazz, and his thirst for musical knowledge led him to make several trips to Madagascar not only to study the indigenous music, but also to spread his passion for jazz. His absorption of Malagasy culture and the strength of his personality would eventually result in the release of three exceptional albums of Malagasy jazz, as well as a string of Malagasy concerts, events and radio shows performed across France. Here, Jazzman presents in their entirety all three of these albums, as well as two further albums of previously-unreleased Malagasy material, in an attempt to address the profound contribution that Gilson and Malagasy have made to world jazz. Early experiments in ethnic jazz were created as a direct result of Jef Gilson's expedition to Madagascar in 1969. Three LPs of super-rare Malagasy jazz restored and available again for the first time in 40 years. Two LPs of unheard and previously-unissued Afro-Spiritual jazz. An impossibly rare 7" single made available for the first time ever outside Madagascar. All tracks full licensed and digitally restored. The 4CD set comes with a 24-page color booklet with comprehensive liner notes with information on each track and stories direct from Jazzman's interviews with the musicians involved. Includes a free digital download card. Liner notes in English and French.