Afternoon in Paris
Pianist John Lewis, the musical director and founder of theModern Jazz Quartet, has always loved Paris, which in turn has always adored him. This 1957 recording is a lyrical love note to the City of Light. It features the original MJQ drummerKenny Clarkealong with the great French masters: bassist Pierre Michelot, tenor saxophonistBarney Wilen, and guitarist Sacha Distel, a musical descendant ofCharlie Christianand the composer of "The Good Life." Lewis's spare,Count Basie-like piano softly swings in this open and intimate combo setting. "I Cover the Waterfront," "Dear Old Stockholm," "Willow Weep for Me," and "All the Things You Are" appear with an absence of excess that borders on genius. The blues "Bag's Groove," from another MJQ mate,Milt Jackson, dances with Clarke's silken syncopations, and the title track, written by Lewis, highlights his cool, harmonically sophisticated compositional style, laced with Wilen's lovelyLester Young-influenced sound. Compare this CD with John Lewis's 2001 offering,Evolution II, and you'll find that his musical excellence is timeless.--Eugene Holley, Jr.