Personnel:
Georges Arvanitas (p), Bernard Vitet (flh), François
Jeanneau (ts), Michel Gaudry, Luigi Trussardi, Pierre Michelot (b), Daniel
Humair, Michel Babault (d)
Reference: FSRCD
961
Despite its short history, the 1960-1961 Georges Arvanitas
Quintet has remained one of the best examples of a specially vibrant and
fruitful moment in the history of French jazz. Not unlike many other groups
back then, the Quintet was originally associated with the “soul” style—that
successful blend of “bebop” and “funk” launched by the Cannonball Adderley
Quintet. Still, they made an effort to disassociate their performances from the
soul clichés by retaining a “hard bop” approach that evolved into a more
personal style.
His young lions were one of the keys of its success. Bernard
Vitet had attained remarkable mastery of the flugelhorn. His sonority obviously
evoked Miles, but also Clark Terry. Francois Jeanneau had also grown an
extraordinary deal in a short time. You could still hear the Coltrane influence,
but his fleshy tenor sound brought something new to the table and is an
attractive companion to Vitet’s full tone. Georges Arvanitas was the mainstay
of the quintet. It was on him that the unity of the group rested, and from the
start to the finish, is the personification of selfassurance, and unabated
swing. The rhythm section was consistently supportive and cohesive. There is
talent, passion and great vitality in the Georges Arvanitas Quintet and this CD
gathers its few but valuable recordings.
Tracklisting:
01. This Here (Bobby Timmons) 4:21
02. Bemsha Swing (Thelonious Monk) 3:30
03. Oblivion (Bud Powell) 3:00
04. Sonnymoon for Two (Sonny Rollins) 6:07
05. Mister X (Max Roach) 3:50
06. Un Poco Loco (Bud Powell) 4:57
07. Bohemia After Dark (Oscar Pettiford) 4:34
08. Monk’s Mood (Thelonious Monk) 6:52
09. Bouncin' with Bud (Bud Powell) 4:22
10. Brigitte Strip Blues (James Campbell) 2:36
11. La Bride sur le Cou (James Campbell) 3:14
12. Extrait de Suite Nº1 en Ré bémol pour Quartetette de
Jazz (Martial Solal) 4:42
13. 245 (Eric Dolphy) 5:06
14. Blues en Re Mineur (P.D.) 1:21
Sources:
Tracks #1-9, from
the 12-inch album “Soul Jazz” (Columbia FPX 193)
Tracks #10 & 11,
from the 45rpm EP “La bride sur le cou” (Barclay 72 471)
Tracks #12-14,
RTF broadcast “Jazz Memories”
Personnel on
"Soul Jazz":
Bernard Vitet, flugelhorn; François Jeanneau, tenor sax;
Georges Arvanitas, piano; Michel Gaudry, bass; Daniel Humair, drums.
Recorded in Paris,
June 22 & 24, 1960
Personnel on "La
bride sur le cou":
Same personnel as #1-9, except Luigi Trussardi, bass; and
Michel Babault, drums
replace Gaudry and Humair.
Recorded in Paris,
April, 19, 1961
Personnel on
"Jazz Memories":
Same personnel as #1-9, except Pierre Michelot, bass,
replace Gaudry.
Recorded in Paris,
RTF broadcast, February 1961
Photos: X
Liner notes:
Jordi Pujol
This CD release
produced by Jordi Pujol
Stereo · 24-Bit
Digitally Remastered