Guitarist Henri Crolla pays tribute to his friend and influence Django Reinhardt – in a set of tracks pulled from a rare album issued in 1958, plus a shorter ep from 1956. The first 10 tracks feature Henri working with a group that includes Stephane Grappelli on violin, plus either Rene Urtreger or Maurice Vander on piano – on tracks that include "Minor Swing", "Nuages", "Swing 42", "Anouman", and "Place De Brouckere". The next 4 tracks feature Crolla with Roger Guerin on trumpet, Hubert Rostaing on clarinet, and Martial Solal on piano – on tracks that include "What's New", "Night & Day", and "Hallelujah". CD

French journalist/composer Andre Hodier was one of the leading voices of European jazz in the postwar years – a committed modernist, but with a strong understanding of all the traditions of jazz. This classic set features American drummer Kenny Clarke working with a group of French musicians on a set of originals and jazz standards set to arrangements by Hodier. Players include trumpeter Roger Guerin, pianists Marial Solal and Rene Utreger, and saxophonists Armand Migani and Hubert Rostaing. The set's a great batch of angular bop numbers – and it's a great chance to hear what Clarke can really do on the drum kit when he's given a chance to open up. Titles include "Oblique", "On A Riff", "Bemsha Swing", "Cadenza", "Eronel", "The Squirrel", and "Tahiti". CD

An ultra-hip live set from bassist Oscar Pettiford – recorded in Germany during the late 50s stretch when he'd taken up residency overseas, and was making some great connections on the scene! This set definitely reflects Pettiford's reach at the time – as it's got an excellent group that includes Dusko Goykovich on trumpet, Michel Hausser on vibes, Hans Koller on tenor, Roger Guerin on trumpet, and Attila Zoller on guitar – all top-shelf talents of the time who really make the record shine! Tracks have that tightly arranged quality that Pettiford brought to his 50s American recordings – but also have a looser, more open vibe that allows the solos to really stretch out – especially on some of the album's longer numbers. The full concert is presented here for the first time ever – and titles include "Are You Real", "HEC Blues", "Happy Afternoon", "Rue Dauphine", "Blues Around Joe", "Autumn Leaves", and "Minor Meeting". CD

It's no secret that some of the greatest jazz soundtracks ever were recorded in Paris – and this CD contains 2 of them! First up is the landmark Un Temoin Dans La Ville – recorded under the leadership of tenor sax player Barney Wilen, who had made such a huge contribution to Miles Davis' famous score for Acenseur Pour L'Echafaud. Wilen's score features 12 incredible tracks that are just dripping with black and white cinematic mood – played by a group that includes Kenny Dorham, Duke Jordan, and Kenny Clarke. Titles on that set include "La Pendaison", "Sur L'Antenne", "SOS Radio Taxis", "La Vie N'est Qu'Une Lutte", and "Ambiance Pourpre". The remaining 6 tracks on the CD are from the very rare soundtrack to J'Irai Cracher Sur Vos Tombes – written and arranged by pianist Alain Goraguer, with a group that includes trumpeter Roger Guerin, vibist Michel Hausser, and bassist Pierre Michelet. The soundtrack recalls a lot of Davis and Wilen's work together – and tracks include "Theme De Liz", "Blues De Memphis", and "Surprise Partie Au Bord De L'Eau". CD