Tenor saxophonist
Barney Wilen was not quite 21 years old at the time of this meeting with
Milt Jackson,
Percy Heath, and
Kenny Clarke, three veterans of
the Modern Jazz Quartet. But the young man is surprising mature and confident throughout the session, interpreting several of
Django Reinhardt's compositions, along with a few by his French contemporaries and a pair of his own works. What's surprising about this session is the rare opportunity to hear
Jackson exclusively as a pianist, as his playing is a bit more reserved than on vibes. The leader digs into his rhythm section's element with his original "B.B.B. (Bag's Barney Blues)," giving them a full chorus before making a convincing statement himself. The quartet's fluid arrangement of
Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" swings. Percussionist Gana M'Bow is added for both "Swing 39" and "Minor Swing" to add an exotic touch.
Wilen easily holds his own on his first major meeting on a record date with major American jazz stars. This excellent CD is part of Verve International's affordable midline
Jazz in Paris reissue series. ~ Ken Dryden