One of the wildest albums ever recorded by French tenorist
Barney Wilen – a mix of avant jazz and sound effects, set to wax in tribute to Lorenzo Bandini – a famous Italian racer who died tragically during the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix!
Wilen was an automobile enthusiast in the late 60s, and happened to be recording the race on a Nagra for himself – but, after witnessing the death of Bandini,
Wilen decided to incorporate his tape of the race into an extended performance dedicated to the late driver. The sound is quite unusual – much farther out than any of
Barney's other albums – and the tapes of the race are joined
with free-flowing tenor, and piano – plus bits of organ and prepared piano as well – all played by by
Francois Tusques along
with Wilen,
with support from Beb Guerin on bass and Eddy Gaumont on drums. The real star, though, is Bandini's Ferrari, which races in and out of the jazz playing, coming to a mournful end
with the termination of the piece. The album's a totally unique recording – and stands as one of the most unusual moments in the history of
Wilen's career, and the legendary MPS label! Titles include "Start", "Tribune Princiere", "Hair Pin", and "Canyon Sound & Destiny".
(Original German pressing – nice and clean!)