This Single-Layer SACD can only be played on a Super Audio CD Player!
Sweet, Romantic French Melodies from AccomplishedJazz Quartet!
After leaving a strong impression on Japanese jazz fans with his three albumsreleased from Venus Records in the late 1990s, Archie Shepp returned with thissmash hit in 2001. Also known as “French Ballads” in Japan, this album consistsentirely of French songs and songs associated with France, where Shepp hadresided for many years.
The program includes compositions by Michel Legrand and Sidney Bechet, theubiquitous “Les Feuilles Mortes” (“Autumn Leaves”) and attractive “Sous Le CielDe Paris” (“Under the Paris Skies”). The album concludes with “Deja Vu,” anoriginal composition by Shepp.
Shepp plays sweet and romantic French melodies with a lot of emotions but herejects saccharine sentimentality. This clash of characteristics brings tensionto his ballad playing and makes it riveting. Shepp also manages to relax andhave fun with upbeat tunes such as “L’Ame Des Poetes” and “April in Paris.”
“Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazzstylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of balladsrecorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with thepresence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist Harold Mabern,bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Drummond.” -Ken Dryden, allmusic.com
Features:
Super Audio CD
SACD Stereo SACD Layer
This Single-Layer SACD can only be played on a Super Audio CD Player! It will NOT play on conventional CD Players!
Made in Japan
Musicians:
Archie Shepp, tenor sax
Harold Mabern, piano
George Mraz, bass
Billy Drummond, drums
Selections:
1. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
2. Petite Fleur
3. Les Feuilles Mortes
4. L’ Ame Des Poetes
5. Gigi
6. April In Paris
7. Sous Le Ciel De Paris
8. Deja Vu
