As you may or may not know, Bechet enjoyed a comeback in his career. The resurgance of Dixieland jazz, combined with Europe's instatiable thirst for the music added up to Bechet being elevated to Olympian heights. Rightly so!! It seemed fitting that he was able to enjoy this level of success during his lifetime - he did after all, deserve it.
This album was released in 1956 as a means of getting Bechet's French issued output to his American fans. This album breaks down into 4 sessions recorded between 1952 and 1955 for the Vogue label. I wouldn't declare any of it particularily rare since most of Bechet's Vogue catalogue has been reissued one way or another. I can't say how these tracks were originally released, if at all.
Six of the ten tracks were cut by Bechet's quintet featuring the great Jonah Jones on trumpet. I would assume these were issued as 10" albums at some point, almost certainly reissued to CD. Three tracks were cut with Andre Reweliotty and one with Claude Luter. The album is tracked really nicely and comes out sounding quite cohesive. Of course, Bechet is the absolute star. His horn comes flying out of the speakers on just about every track. Jonah Jones most certainly holds his own and is a really great counter to Bechet's sound. It's really refreshing to hear Jones in this type of setting unlike his later Capitol dates which ended up becoming quite shmaltzy.King Of The Soprano Saxophone was ripped from excellent condition vinyl at 24/44.1 wav, and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC. The fidelity is quite excellent and makes for a really enjoyable listen. I have begun using Microsoft ICE for my scans. Only the good Lord knows why I have waited this long - amazing program. I hope this sets off your weekend - Crypt style!! Enjoy!!
Good Time Jazz L-12013
1956
