French modern meets French traditional – in a really unique set of recordings that pair soprano saxophonist
Sidney Bechet and pianist Martial Solal! Includes work from 2 different 1957 sessions recorded in Paris – both of which perfectly illustrate the way in which
Bechet's tone and phrasing on his instrument could have a huge influence on later modernists like Steve Lacy and Albert Ayler. The work is straight, and often based around standards – but Solal's work on piano sets up the tunes in a way that allows
Bechet to really play with his sound – and the record's made even better by the stark production technique, which brings out
Bechet's tone better than many other French recordings we've heard. Kenny Clarke drums on about half the tracks, and titles include "Once In A While", "I Only Have Eyes For You", "The Man I Love", "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams", "Embraceable You", "Rose Room", "I Never Knew", and "These Foolish Things".
(Late 70s US Inner City pressing. Cover has minimal wear.)