Jazz in Paris Favorites
No European city has the same allure for American jazz musicians as Paris. It was ever so: from the moment black Army bands like James Reese Europe's brought syncopated music to France during World War I, jazz players have found work, appreciation, validation and refuge there. The French saw themselves in the music right away: in New Orleans' French heritage, and in the iconic use of the saxophone, which was invented on French soil (albeit by a Belgian). They may even have heard, as some linguists do, the origins of the word jazz in their verb jaser — to make idle chatter.
Expatriate musicians soaked up the inspiration that comes from living in a rich culture whose national history dwarfs the States' relatively short lifespan. That burnish and patina on everything can't help but find its way into the music. For a couple of years now, CD collectors who could find them have been scarfing up the 80-and-counting import compilations in the Jazz in Paris series; now they're available here, as in right here. From the multi-hued blues of Mary Lou Williams to Lucky Thompson's languid soprano sax, Jazz in Paris is essential for jazz aficionados — and for anyone who wants to become one.
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