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