The Herdsmen & The Kentonians - The Herdsmen & The Kentonians. Paris Sessions 1954 & 1956 (2017)

The recording sessions in this CD have much in common with one another, and respond to the stir generated in Paris among French fans and record producers by the visits of two of the top American jazz orchestras during their European tours: Woody Herman in 1954 and Stan Kenton in 1956. Some of the best soloists in each band were engaged to record for the French labels Vogue, Swing and Club des Amateurs du Disque.

The Herdsmen recorded two 10” albums, with personnel changing from one session to the other. The sessions included trumpeter Dick Collins, bass-trumpeter Cy Touff, tenorists Bill Perkins, Dick Hafer, and Jerry Coker, bassist Red Kelly, drummer Chuck Flores, and pianist Ralph Burns —the featured performer for the band’s European tour. Joining them were leading local jazzmen, such as pianist Henri Renaud, guitarist Jimmy Gourley, bass player Jean-Marie Ingrand and drummer Jean-Louis Viale.

The Kentonians recorded two 12” albums, and the main soloist on both dates was trombonist Carl Fontana. Trumpeter Vinnie Tano, bassist Curtis Counce, and drummer Mel Lewis joined him for the first one; along with them were tenor saxophonist Don Rendell —who was touring with Kenton’s band— and the young French star Martial Solal on piano. The second unit, under the direction of Fontana, featured Counce and Rendell, plus American trumpeter Dick Mills —who was then living in Paris— Renaud on piano, and Dutchman Wes Ilcken on drums.

The sessions were all improvised, without too much time for preparation, but the recordings captured the freshness of the soloists, who all had a balling time.