Barney Wilen - French Ballads

2021 reissue

“It’s a different Barney Wilen, a different saxophone identity, that resounds on French Ballads. How could it be otherwise? More confident and complex. More comfortable and in tune with the musical progress since the 1950s: one can hear it in the unrushed freedom of his playing, in the flurries and embellishments he adds. The melodies and lyrics were as familiar to jazz ears as they were to a mainstream audience. Many were associated with popular movies, and together all were sure to ring a bell of national pride. It’s a challenge to stop listing favorite moments on French Ballads – discovering this music on one’s own should be part of the delight.” ASHLEY KAHN

FRENCH BALLADS IS BARNEY WILEN’S PERFECT SYNTHESIS BETWEEN JAZZ AND THE FRENCH CHANSON: Following the unexpected success of his comeback album La Note Bleue, iconic French saxophonist Barney Wilen embarked right away on his following project, an album consisting of jazz versions of wonderful French chansons. According to Philippe Vincent: “Barely three months after the release of La Note Bleue, I thought that he was going fast, but he was not completely wrong to want to strike while the iron was hot. In addition, it is true that many musicians quickly turn to their next project as soon as the previous one has emerged. His idea was to devote a recording to a repertoire of French melodies, and I was immediately seduced by this proposition, as his playing style and his saxophone phrasing could approach singing.” The new album constituted another success and is, because of its repertoire and approach, quite unique work in the whole story of jazz.