Lucky Thompson - Lucky Thompson With Dave Pochonet All Stars (1956) {Jazz in Paris №73}

While visiting France in 1956, tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson recorded over a dozen sessions within a span of just four months, with various groups put together by drummer Gerard "Dave" Pochonet. This CD reissue in Verve's Jazz in Paris series combines two different studio dates. Four tracks feature a septet with an unusual lineup that includes bass trombonist Charles Verstraete and baritone saxophonist Michel de Villers and a rhythm section anchored by pianist Martial Solal. The full group blends very well, with excellent solos by each member of the front line, though Thompson's quartet feature, "Lullaby of the Leaves," is marred somewhat by his squeaking reed. The remaining five selections are by a tentet that includes the entire septet, except Henri Renaud takes over on piano. Thompson's lush quartet treatment of "I Should Care" is the highlight of the latter date. The French musicians prove up to the task of working with the visiting American star on both dates, while Thompson is in top form throughout most of the two sessions.


Tracks:

1 Fascinating Blues
Written-By – Jean-Pierre Sasson 4:01
2 I Should Care
Written-By – Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston (2), Sammy Cahn 4:16
3 One For The Boys And Us
Written-By – Dave Pochonet, Lucky Thompson 7:08
4 Home Free
Written-By – Lucky Thompson 5:06
5 Bluebird Blues
Written-By – Neal Hefti 3:56
6 Lullaby Of The Leaves
Written-By – Bernice Petkere, Joe Young (3) 3:58
7 Easy Going
Written-By – Lucky Thompson 4:06
8 Let's Try Again
Written-By – Michel de Villers 6:28
9 Stewin' Up A Wig
Written-By – Dave Pochonet 3:55

Personnel:

Alto Saxophone – Michel de Villers (tracks: 2 to 5, 7)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Jo Hrasko (tracks: 2 to 5, 7)
Baritone Saxophone – Marcel Hrasko, Michel de Villers
Double Bass – Benoit Quersin
Drums – Dave Pochonet
Guitar – Jean-Pierre Sasson
Piano – Henri Renaud (tracks: 2 to 5, 7), Martial Solal (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 9)
Tenor Saxophone – Lucky Thompson
Trombone – Charles Verstraete (tracks: 2 to 5, 7)
Trombone [Bass] – Charles Verstraete (tracks: 1, 6, 8, 9)
Trumpet – Fernand Verstraete (tracks: 2 to 5, 7)